February 15, 2024
WCU’s Wells School of Music Presents the 15th Annual Trumpet Festival from Feb. 16 - 18
West Chester University’s esteemed Wells School of Music will present the 15th Annual Trumpet Festival from February 16 – 18, 2024. Events take place on and off campus over three days. Some events are ticketed. Tickets and information found at: www.wcupatix.com/schoolofmusic.
The Trumpet Festival’s daily events include exhibits, coachings, warm-ups, and classes on Friday and Saturday in West Chester University’s Wells School of Music, Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center, 817 S. High Street, West Chester. The events are open to trumpet players of all ages. Musicians everywhere are encouraged to bring their trumpets and join in the fun. Companies exhibiting include Yamaha Corporation of America, Baltimore Brass Co, A Minor Tune Up, Pickett Brass & Blackburn Trumpets, Warburton Music Products, and Maller Brass Instruments. Email Jdobrzelewski@wcupa.edu for more information.
Two evening performances take place on Friday, February 16, and Saturday, February 17, both at 7: 30 p.m. on West Chester University’s campus in the Emily K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building, 700 S. High Street, West Chester.
Friday’s concert of the U.S. Army Concert Band is FREE and open to the public. The concert features soloists Jean-Christophe Dobrzelewski, Robert Skoniczin, Brian Kuszik, Brianne Borden, Andrea Tofanelli, Joey Tartell, Scott Belck, Bryan Appleby-Wineberg, John Marchiando, and William Stowman.
The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Concert Band is a premier music organization of the U.S. Army, founded in 1922 by Army Chief of Staff General of the Armies John J. Pershing. The band provides musical support for the leadership of the United States, including all branches of government, and engages in a varied spectrum of events to connect the American people to their Army.
On Saturday, February 17, at 7:30 p.m. West Chester University’s beloved Criterions Jazz Ensemble performs with featured soloist and guest artists Andrea Tafanell, Joey Tartell, and Scott Belck. This event is ticketed, though student tickets are free. Tickets range in price from $7 - $12 and are found at: www.wcupatix.com/schoolofmusic.
Guest artist Andrea Tofanelli was born in Italy and graduated from the Lucca Conservatory
specializing in classical studies and jazz studies. He has performed around the world
with artists that include Maynard Ferguson, Randy Brecker, Luciano Pavarotti, Paul Anka, Tom Jones, Burt Bacharach, Michael Bublè, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Petula Clark, among others. As an international trumpet artist and Jazz/Classical music educator, he regularly performs and gives masterclasses all over the world. Tofanelli is both
a Professor of Classical Trumpet in Italy at the Vecchi-Tonelli Conservatory in Modena
and a Professor of Jazz Trumpet at the prestigious Fiesole School of Music in Florence.
An additional concert featuring Tromba Mundi (World Trumpet Ensemble) takes place off-campus on Sunday, February 18, at 4 p.m., at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 10 West Pleasant Grove Road, West Chester. Tickets found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tromba-mundi-concert-from-baroque-to-jazz-tickets-767595216957.
Tromba Mundi was founded in 2007 to engage in the exploration, promotion and performance of new works for trumpet ensemble. Tromba Mundi has recorded several world premiere compositions and continues to commission new music for the genre. They are dedicated to drawing the attention of students, professionals, and brass music aficionados to the thrilling sounds of the trumpet ensemble! Each member of the ensemble is a professional performer and professor from various universities across the United States. They have released three CDs with a fourth to come.