Brian Shaw (L) and W. David Hobbs

Brian Shaw, winner of the 2002 ITG Solo Competition, 2001 Mock Orchestral Competition and second prize winner in the 2004 Ellsworth Smith Competition, performed a series of recitals of new music in March 2006. Shaw was accompanied by Dr. W. David Hobbs, professor of piano at Eastern Illinois University. The duo presented this program, most of it newly commissioned, at the University of Texas at Austin, Oklahoma State University, the University of Evansville (Indiana) and Eastern Illinois University.

The new works performed included a piece entitled Two Images for unaccompanied trumpet and flügelhorn by Joseph Turrin, Three Microcosms for trumpet and percussion by Eastman’s Dave Rivello, a Sonata for trumpet and piano by Los Angeles composer Michael Hay, Duo Sonatine for trumpet and piano by Jonathan Schwabe, and two new works by Shaw, including a trumpet quartet based on photographs of Ansel Adams and a new vocalise, called “Only Space”. Also included in the program were two French impressionist works, including Debussy’s Syrinx (originally for flute) performed by Shaw and Ravel’s Ondine from Gaspard de la Nuit performed by Hobbs.

Shaw was assisted at UT Austin by trumpeters Tom Siders, Christine Ennis, Michael Piccione, and Michael Hengst, and percussionists Michael Eagle and Graeme Francis. At EIU, percussionists Terence Mayhue, Patrick Rheingruber, flutist Paula Clary, and soprano Melissa Kelly performed.

Shaw says: “This program represents the culmination of a goal I have had for several years; that is, to present a recital of almost entirely newly composed works for the trumpet by some of my favorite composers. It is very humbling to be a part of adding some vibrant new music to the trumpet’s repertoire, and I hope that this project generates interest in not only these works but inspires other musicians to commission new works as well.” These pieces are available directly from the composers. Contact Brian Shaw at bshawmusic@gmail.com for more information.

Shaw and Hobbs are currently completing a CD recording of the new pieces performed on this tour and other works by contemporary American composers, to be released in the near future.

Brian Shaw resides in Austin, Texas, and maintains an active schedule on modern and baroque trumpet as a freelance player in the classical and jazz idioms. He recently completed a Master’s degree in Trumpet Performance and Jazz Writing at the Eastman School of Music, in Rochester, NY. While at Eastman, he was a student of James Thompson and served as principal trumpet of the Eastman Wind Ensemble during its 2004 Far East Tour, and 2005 Carnegie Hall Concert. In Rochester he also taught privately at the Hochstein School of Music and performed regularly as principal trumpet with the Rochester Oratorio Society and as lead trumpet in Rochester’s Dave Rivello Ensemble. Brian has shared the stage with such varied and distinguished artists as with Rachel Barton, the Canadian Brass, Aretha Franklin, Paul O’Dette, Maria Schneider, ‘Doc’ Severinsen, The Temptations, Kenny Wheeler, and Joe Williams; he has also made appearances as a soloist with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Alabama Symphony, and the Eastman Conductor’s Orchestra. He is currently pursuing a doctoral fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin under Professor Ray Sasaki.

W. David Hobbs is Professor of Piano at Eastern Illinois University, teaching studio piano, class piano, and keyboard literature. Previously, Dr. Hobbs was on the faculty of Northern Kentucky University. He received Bachelors and Doctoral degrees from the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and a Masters degree from Northwestern University. He recently won an Achievement and Contribution Award given to select faculty at EIU. A frequent adjudicator for state and national competitions, Hobbs is active in state and national professional organizations. Dr. Hobbs’ students continually win honors and concerto competitions at EIU.

Shaw and Hobbs have performed together for over a decade, giving concerts and participating in competitions throughout the United States and Europe.