Trumpet Studio

Trumpet Studio

The Trumpet Studio at Missouri Southern is taught by Rusty Raymond and is made up of both music majors, music minors, as well as non-majors with an interest in improving their trumpet playing abilities. All trumpeters will study the basics of trumpet playing: tone production, technique, breathing, embouchure, reading, literature and repertoire, according to his/her ability. Specific standards will be established for each year (Freshman, Sophomore, etc.) and for each degree program (BA, BME) and made available through MSSU’s Groupwise class websites.

In recent years MSSU students have been exposed to masterclasses and performances by some of the nation’s finest trumpet players including Raymond Mase and Kevin Cobb with the American Brass Quintet, the Boston Brass, Ronald Romm (one of the founders of the Canadian Brass), and Grammy-award winning jazz trumpeters Billy Hunt and Dave Stahl. Students have the option of taking a 2 credit lesson (1 hr weekly lesson) as an applied trumpet major or as an elective or a 1 credit lesson (30 minute weekly lesson) as an elective.

Trumpet students have a variety of instrumental ensembles that provide performance opportunities. The largest instrumental ensembles are the MSSU Lion Pride Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and Symphony Orchestra. Southern provides an opportunity for you to study jazz in either a large or small group setting. Students interested in studying jazz have may audition for Southern’s critically acclaimed Jazz Orchestra or one of three jazz combos led by Dr. Philip C. Wise. Additional performance opportunities are available to perform in the pit orchestra for yearly musicals, small ensemble accompaniment for the MSSU Show Choir, Commencement Ensembles, and the MSSU Pep Band which receives an additional scholarship of $300.00.