Bobby Shew in his clinic

Since 2003, the Western Carolina University Trumpet Festival has brought trumpeters from around the southeastern US and beyond to the mountains of North Carolina. Professor Brad Ulrich has served as host of the WCU Trumpet Festival since its inception and is responsible for bringing major trumpet artists to Cullowee, North Carolina.

The 2009 WCU Trumpet Festival featured artists were Bobby Shew, Paul Merkelo, and Malcolm McNab.  All three of these musicians demonstrated the type of playing for which they are known and provided unique personal insight on the profession through their clinics. Bobby Shew performed a concert with the Pavel Wlosok Trio and the Asheville Jazz Orchestra to open the festival on Friday night.  On Saturday, participants were treated to more Bobby Shew in a lecture/master class in which he covered many topics and answered questions from the audience.  Other clinic sessions included a presentation by Hollywood studio recording artist Malcolm McNab that included everything from an in-depth discussion of the Hollywood recording scene through the years to a sneak peek at his upcoming solo trumpet recording, and even a rare look at vintage candid film footage of past trumpet legends.  McNab also led Saturday morning’s warm-up session, which served as a chance for him to discuss the pedagogical approach of James Stamp, with whom he studied.  Saturday night, participants enjoyed a recital by Paul Merkelo of the Montreal Symphony, a fitting conclusion to the festival.

Mass trumpet ensemble performance