First Annual October Trumpetfest - Las Vegas	January 6, 2001

Walter Blanton and Greg Gisbert "Making trumpets" session with Fred Powell of U.M.I. and Tony Scodwell of Scodwell Custom Trumpets Lead trumpet panel: Tom Porello, Tom DeLibero, Tom Snelson, moderator Charley Davis Greg Gisbert demonstrates improvisation techniques at his jazz clinic David Blink, UNLV student, in a masterclass with Thomas Gause Tom DeLibero - lead trumpet - Rio Hotel/Las Vegas, also lead trumpet with Doc Severinsen Charley Davis trying out a horn at the exhibits October 13-15, 2000 saw what Walter Blanton hopes to be the first of many such events. Blanton, trumpet instructor at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (and highly regarded player in Las Vegas) along with David Blink and the Las Vegas Trumpet Club, organized the First Annual October Trumpetfest. Held primarily at UNLV, virtually all of the major manufacturers were represented in the display area allowing ample time for attendees to sample the latest trumpets over the three days. In no particular order, one could toot around the huge room with Bachs, Conns, Kings, Benges, Scodwells, Kanstuls, Yamahas, Stomvis and Bessons. Thomas Gause (Yamaha artist) gave a master class and performed the Planel Concerto. Charley Davis (Bach artist) performed with the UNLV jazz ensemble as well as the Michael Haydn Concerto in D. His clinic on Friday was quite well received. Kanstul Musical Instruments had Don Harrell in a most unique presentation and performance of keyed bugles. Prominent New York City player Greg Gisbert held a most informative clinic on his approach to developing jazz improvisational ideas in the practice room and then performing with the UNLV jazz ensemble. The "Making Trumpets" seminar featured Fred Powell of U.M.I. and Tony Scodwell of Scodwell Custom Trumpets in a lively discussion on the mechanics of what they feel contributes to a proper, balanced trumpet, a horn that maximizes results for the player for the minimum effort expended. Powell, the designer of the new Conn trumpets (also King and Benge for the rather large U.M.I. company) and Scodwell (who is currently working on his 60th instrument) are both extremely fine players working at the highest levels in music. Their approach to the making of trumpets stemmed from a unique position ... they can actually go out and earn a living on their trumpets. And earning a living as a lead trumpet player was what the "Four Toms" session was all about. Tom DeLibero, Tom Ehlen, Tom Snelson and Tom Porrello are four great lead trumpet players. Moderated by Los Angeles studio lead player Charley Davis (with much lead player sardonic wit) the "Four Toms" gave examples of lead trumpet playing in a wide variety of situations around the world. Walter Blanton and his "Echoes of Ellington" sextet wrapped up the three-day event in concert which included all the soloists in a "Trumpet Extravaganza Finale." Start thinking about attending this event next October 2001. As there is more to life than mouthpieces and valve oil, Las Vegas is the perfect venue for an event of this type. Source: Tony Scodwell; photos: Tony Scodwell & Walter Blanton

What's New | News & Events | Resources | Join ITG Contact ITG | About  ITG | How To Use This Site | Site Search © Copyright 1999-2001 - International Trumpet Guild™ - all rights reserved