Cooper to join the Madison Symphony Orchestra.

On May 31 the Madison Symphony held an audition for a position in their trumpet section and I am exptremely proud to say they offered me the position! I will be joining two friends I have known a long time, John Aley and Frank Hanson. They have both been in the group over 20 years so it will great to work so closely with such great seasoned veterans. I have subbed with this orchestra for about 15 years which has been fun but playing in this section on a regular basis will be fantastic.

Juggling Versatility

I have found that in recent years there seems to be a trend for music students, in particular students of the trumpet, to strive for music careers that encompass and embrace a wider variety of musical styles. Perhaps this is due in part to the fact that the freelancing musical climate has changed from one where a player could more easily make a living doing just studio work or symphonic work or playing in a big band. No doubt players that have earned strong reputations and acclaim as versatile performers such as Wynton Marsalis, Arturo Sandoval, Vince DiMartino and Lew Soloff to name a few, have greatly influenced the next generation of trumpet players. Highly focused “specialty” gigs still exist, but todays’ trumpet player is much better “armed” with a larger assortment of musical “tools” at their disposal.

My thoughts on equipment - Eclipse trumpets

I have had a number of people ask me what instruments I am playing.  Instruments are a very personal decision and my thoughts are only my opinion, so here goes.  I am very proud to own and play Eclipse trumpets and Flugel horn. I own a LHY Bb in gold plate, MHY C in silver and a Red Flugel in raw.

Two New Trumpet Books Coming Out

I have two new trumpet  books coming out! 

I have edited Telemann's Six Canonic Sonatas originally for flute or recorder.  The interesting part of this project is that I am also recording these duets to be offered with the book as a "play along".  The recording and the book are finished and at the publishers.  It should be available in a few months.

I am currently working on Festive Arias vol. 2.  F.A. Volume I has done so well that Lorenz Pub has asked me to do a followup.  This volume includes works from the Magnificat, Messiah, Vivaldi Gloria and Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring.  This volume will also come with a CD.  

Other news is that my Telemann duet book and Bach Cello Suites book are both going to be be published through Lorenz Publications.  You will still be able to purchase these from me at this site but they will now also be available nationally.

Thanks for checking in.