How a Teacher You’ve Never Heard of Molded a Titan of the Craft, Mendez Anecdotes, Healthy and Unhealthy Competition in Music, and Much More with David Hickman!

"The Story of the Trumpet, In the Words of Those Who Play It." Catchy tag line, if I do say so myself. But the individual we're hearing from on the show today is someone who can literally tell the story of the trumpet - at least a good portion of it.David Hickman is founder and president of the acclaimed Summit Brass, a large all-star American brass ensemble dubbed by the press as the "Dream Team of Brass." Summit Brass has released 10 CDs, toured the world, and hosted the annual Rafael Mendez Brass Institute which has helped thousands of aspiring brass musicians. He served as president of the International Trumpet Guild from 1977 to 1979 and has presented numerous lectures, clinics, masterclasses, and concerts at major international conventions. His services are sought worldwide as a judge for prestigious solo and chamber music competitions. Mr. Hickman recently received the International Trumpet Guild's prestigious Award of Merit.In this conversation with David Hickman, you'll discover:-How the lone music teacher in a small Nebraska town helped David foster his love of music...01:23-"If you can teach a boy to blow a horn, he'll never blow a safe"...09:16-The moment David knew trumpet would be his life's work...11:42-Trumpet Performance or bust...16:36-Why rural Kansas was the best possible place to begin a music performance career...21:34-Recollections and anecdotes of Rafael Mendez...26:08-Healthy and unhealthy competition for musicians...30:05-The story of the 5-valve trumpet...in the words of he who plays it...38:13-Why 3-valve trumpets may soon be a relic of days gone by...46:43-And much more!Episode sponsor:James Newcomb's "Chew the Fat" Newsletter: If you like this podcast, consider joining my exclusive daily email newsletter, where I share personal anecdotes, stories, occasional business tips and much more. It's free and all you have to do is register here!