Entrepreneurs in Music — and Don’t Forget about Mozart!

Things often go in different directions in one’s life by events that drive them in these directions. Shortly after accepting a job as trumpet player with The United States Army Band, I formed a brass quintet for fun, performing concerts in the Washington, DC area. After a few years of investing in music which was arranged badly or just wanting arrangements that weren’t available, I began arranging on my own. This opened doors which made our group unique and we were able to perform specialized arrangements which catered to the strengths of our group members. Over the years, the number of arrangements grew. Many people inquired about the availability of these arrangements but I hung onto them because they were what made our group unique from other groups. As time passed, I decided to start working on a DMA, hoping to one day land a college teaching position. I thought perhaps making these arrangements available by publishing them would be beneficial in acquiring that job. Long story short, I decided to publish these arrangements myself and it has been amazing how things have grown.

A similar thing happened through performing solo trumpet for wedding ceremonies. I would drag a briefcase full of music to a wedding because the arrangements needed were in several different books. After years of playing the most-performed wedding selections, I compiled a book of those 25 pieces, arranged for trumpet and organ with the addition of an optional 2nd trumpet part. Having all of these popular wedding selections in one book, with the perk of a 2nd trumpet part, has made this collection very popular.

With this book available, it was easy for me to record a CD of this wedding collection with a superb organist, in a wonderful church, with a magnificent instrument. While I still love performing, I also appreciate the added income to help support my large family. The CD has been great as advertisement and has provided me with increased wedding performances as well as performance opportunities here and abroad with incredible musicians, which I never would have experienced without these publications.

I love performing very much. This is why I have not yet retired. I truly love this job, the musicians and the leadership who comprise The United States Army Band. Through these experiences, I have grown in many ways to become a better musician by developing assets to capitalize on these past, present and future opportunities.