"I like the two people on my left and my right...what else is there to life?" Says my guest on today's episode, Scott Moore.

Although he has firmly ensconced himself in the lore of greatness with the horse whinny in Sleigh Ride, Mr. Moore, long time principal trumpet with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, has been in the trenches long enough to know that the grass aint always greener with the "elite" orchestras of America. Indeed, happiness as a musician is oftentimes found in the overlooked parts of the world, away from the busyness of fame and prestige.

In this interview, Scott takes us through his journey as a trumpeter, from the small towns of Mississippi, to the New England Conservatory (where he found true mentorship in unlikely places) to his position in Memphis and beyond.

Here's what you'll hear in this episode:

-How a challenge from a peer in school was motivation to perfect the horse whinny...02:00

-Scott's founding origins on trumpet...06:15

-A "dirty jobs" type opportunity leads to invaluable on the job orchestral training...12:30

-What's wrong with the typical audition process for orchestras?...19:45

-What to do when the conductor says "You're too loud!"...23:00

-Forays into competitive trumpeting...25:45

-Scott's real mentors at the New England Conservatory...31:35

-What Scott would tell his twenty something year old self...33:30

-Scott's "dream gig" described...35:15

-Plus whatever your discerning ears deem worthy of your time and interest...

Resources mentioned:

Memphis Symphony Orchestra

Scott's horse whinny tutorial on YouTube

About the guest:

Scott Moore is Principal Trumpet in the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and the leader of the MSO Big Band. He has also performed with the Chicago Symphony, the St. Louis Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony, the National Symphony, and as guest principal with the symphony orchestras of Atlanta, Toronto, and Jacksonville. He has recorded and performed with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra, and with I Fiamminghi, the Orchestra of Flanders. Mr. Moore is also the Assistant Principal Trumpet in the Arizona MusicFest Orchestra.

As a soloist, Mr. Moore has appeared with the San Antonio Symphony, the Nashville Chamber Orchestra, the Tennessee Summer Symphony, the Chattanooga Symphony, and on numerous occasions with the Memphis Symphony. He has also been a featured Guest Artist at the International Trumpet Guild Conference. 

Scott Moore has a Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory of Music, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from McNeese State University. His teachers have included Charles Schlueter, Robert Nagel, Arnold Jacobs, and Michael Ewald.

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