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Ever since I can remember, the sound of trumpet was heard in our house. Between my Dad, my brother Tom, and myself, if you wanted to hear a trumpet being played you only had to wait about 5 minutes! And besides, I always thought the trumpet was way too cool. Growing up, Dad would sometimes let me toot some notes on his horn. At around age 13, I began to learn the instrument. My parents really got me started well by making sure I had a quality instrument, (a 38B Conn Connstellation). Once I got going, I played in every school or community band that would have me! I was a member of the Delta Youth Orchestra in '80 & '81. At that time the DYO was under the direction of Harry Gomez. The brass instructor there was Richard Hawkins and it was really fun... in a very serious kind of way (pinkies extended please!) Growing up in Richmond B.C. Canada, I was able to take advantage of the excellent school music programs guided by dedicated music educators John Hudson and Ken Hackwell.
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So Why The Trumpet?
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After high school I knew I wanted to study music, and I was very fortunate to be able to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. I was constantly amazed at the level of talent and ability of my fellow students. Just being around such stellar musicians was great. The main reason for attending Berklee though, is the faculty. I got to study with the likes of phenomenal trumpeters like Wes Hensel, Jeff Stout, and Greg Hopkins. The student ensembles were a blast. I played in student groups under the direction of John LaPorta, Jimmy Mosher, Wes Hensel, Tom Frazee, Ben Elkins, and others. My associations and friendships with other students led to the formation of a 9 piece R&B group which played many one nighters all over New England. (Any former High Function members and friends still out there?). Boston provided opportunities to play in local musical theatre, student recitals, and recording projects. After receiving my bachelors degree, (and pushing the limits of my student visa), I returned to Vancouver in September 1988.
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Since returning to Vancouver, I've had opportunities to play with many fine bands. In 1989 I hooked up with Top City R&B, an exciting 11 piece R&B outfit. I also have an ongoing musical association with Vancouver based guitarist and composer Greg Blake, & the Third Stream Trio/Quartet/Quintet. Check out his tune "SideSlip" on the audio page. Not only is Greg a talented musician, he is also the best golfer I know who never practices!! I am a member of The Douglas College Nightband, directed by Blair Fisher. Fellow Nightband trumpeter Garth Balint and I wondered what it would be like to do some brass quintet playing. After much talk, and some phone calls by Garth, we co-founded The Wyndham Brass Quintet. I also play regularly with the Vancouver based Silverstars, lead by Tony Theiss. I am keeping more than busy these days, but I am always looking for new situations to blow hot air through a brass pipe!!
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Copyright(c) 2010 Terry Keller. All rights reserved.