Trumpet

William Baxtresser

ntakagi — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 15:26:36 +0000

William Baxtresser ntakagi Sun, 10/01/2023 - 10:26

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Some of Mr. Baxtresser's most influential teachers over the years were his instructors from his studies at Western Michigan University. These include: Mr. Scott Thornburg, and Dr. Stephen Jones.

In addition, one of his biggest mentors was legendary trumpeter, Marcus Belgrave, who he studied under the direction of during his time as a member of the Detroit Civic Orchestra Jazz Ensemble.

Academic Title

Trumpet Faculty

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Department

Community Music School

Department Head

Off

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Trumpet Performance, Western Michigan University (2007)

bbaxtresser@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Mon, 01/30/2012 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Trumpet

Name

William Baxtresser

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

847.905.1500

Photo

Baxtresser, William web pic.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Member of the Gaudete Brass Quintet

Second trumpet with the West Michigan Symphony (start 2008)

Member of the New Music Project, a contemporary music project that promoted the commission of new compositions, as well as presenting a Latin American inspired concert with the Millennium Chamber Players.

Participation in the Oberlin Baroque Performance Institute at the Oberlin Conservatory, studying with Barry Bauguess & Bruce Dickey

Lake Placid Institute for trumpet performance in both Jazz and Classical

Program Area

Private Instruction

Weight

James Davis

ntakagi — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 19:22:33 +0000

James Davis ntakagi Fri, 08/18/2023 - 14:22

James Davis, a Chicago trumpeter and music maker, is comfortable in and always enjoys exploring a wide array of musical environments. As a composer and improviser, Davis is involved in a diverse blend of musical communities in Chicago. His diverse background and ranging interests can be heard in his own Chamber-Jazz group Beveled, the improvising effects-laden LORIS, and various Jazz projects.

In addition to leading different formations of his own groups, Davis has also recently collaborated and/or recorded with Matt Ulery’s Pollinator, Chris Dammann's Restroy, Lucas Gillan's Many Blessings, The Heritage Jazz Orchestra, and The New Standard Jazz Orchestra. James has earned recognition as a finalist both in the 2004 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Improvisation Competition and the 2007 Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Competition and has completed degrees at the University of Texas at Arlington, and at the University of North Texas. At UNT, James had the opportunity to tour and record with the Grammy nominated One O’clock Lab Band and the UNT Wind Symphony.

James’ playing and compositions are featured on his newest album Disappearing Roads, his 2014 release Beveled, the James Davis Quintet album Angles of Refraction, the avant-rock/jazz/improv band Zing!’s, Magnetic Flux, and multiple albums with Albertan drummer Karl Schwonik. He is currently on faculty at Triton College, Wheaton College, and Harold Washington College.

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Finalist, 2004 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Improvisation Competition
Finalist, 2007 Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Competition

Recordings:
Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead, 2-Week Composition/Performance Workshop, 2008
Ravinia Steans Institute Jazz Program, Composition/Performance Workshop, 2008
Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Competition Finalist, 2007
International Trumpet Guild Jazz Improvisation Competition Finalist, 2004

Recordings as A Leader/Composer/Performer
Remain Calm - Beveled, Self-released, 2022
Disappearing Roads - James Davis Quintet, Whistler Records, 2018 Composed & Arranged full 4 track digital EP
Beveled - James Davis' Beveled, ears&eyes Records, 2015 Composed & Arranged full 9 track CD Album
Angles of Refraction - James Davis Quintet, ears&eyes Records, 2007
Magnetic Flux - Zing!, ears&eyes Records, 2007

At the University of North Texas, James had the opportunity to tour and record with the Grammy nominated One O’clock Lab Band and the UNT Wind Symphony.

James’ playing and compositions are featured on his newest album Disappearing Roads, his 2014 release Beveled, the James Davis Quintet album Angles of Refraction, the avant-rock/jazz/improv band Zing!’s, Magnetic Flux, and multiple albums with Albertan drummer Karl Schwonik.

Academic Title

Trumpet Faculty (Jazz)

Available For

Online

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

As an active performer, I strive to share my real-world musical experience with my students. Every student is unique and deserves a tailored approach for their own learning style. My current focus is on Jazz and Improvised music, but have a wide range of musical interests as well.

Courses

Private Instruction

Department

Community Music School

Department Head

Off

Education

MM, University of North Texas
BM, University of Texas at Arlington

jdavis@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Trumpet

Location(s)

Evanston

Name

James Davis

Personal Website / Link

https://jamesdavismusic.net/

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

847.905.1500

Photo

James Davis pic 2024.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Current faculty member:
Triton College
Wheaton College
Harold Washington College

Program Area

Jazz Studies

Weight

Willing to Teach at

Evanston

Bethany Vaughan

ntakagi — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 22:15:50 +0000

Bethany Vaughan ntakagi Mon, 09/09/2024 - 17:15

Bethany Vaughan has been a member of the Music Institute’s Nichols Concert Hall staff and now is a member of the trumpet faculty. She earned her bachelor of music degree at Indiana University and her master of music degree at Northwestern University. She is a core member of Axiom Brass. As a freelancer, she has performed with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and National Arts Centre Orchestra, among many others. In the chamber music sphere, she has toured with Seraph Brass and Stiletto Brass (in addition to her work with Axiom). She has spent summers as a fellow at the Aspen Music Festival and Round Top Festival Institute and has performed at the Bravo! Vail, Ravinia, and Blossom summer music festivals. She maintains a private studio of students from all around Chicago and coaches the trumpets at Niles West High School.

Academic Title

Trumpet Faculty

Administrative Title

Production Assistant, Nichols Concert Hall

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

I have studied with and been influenced by teachers from many different schools of pedagogical thought, but I count the teachings of Bill Adam and Vincent Cichowicz (and the Chicago school more generally) as my strongest pedagogical influences. I believe that, in most cases, the conscious mind should have a limited role when it comes to the mechanics of trumpet playing. While having a healthy setup and basic understanding of how the embouchure works is important (and I teach those things), of even more importance is your concept of how you want to sound. If we have a beautiful, resonant sound in our mind's eye when we go to play the trumpet, our subconscious mind will, over time, make minute changes to our body to bring us into alignment with our goal sound. We might be aware of these changes, but the goal is to not let them draw too much of our focus. A focus on sound (and musicality) is why I play back and forth with my students in lessons, providing them with a model. Imitation truly is one of the best teachers! I have taught students of all ages (beginner to retired) and student acceptances include CYSO and Interlochen.

Department

Community Music School

Nichols Concert Hall

Department Head

Off

Education

Master of Music, Northwestern University
Bachelor of Music, Indiana University

bvaughan@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Trumpet

Location(s)

Evanston

Name

Bethany Vaughan

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

8479051500

Photo

Vaughan, Bethany.jpg

Program Area

Private Instruction

Three Questions

Interests/hobbies outside of music

Most memorable musical moment?

What do you love about playing your instrument?

Three Questions Answer

Hobbies/interests outside of music:
My hobbies outside of music include pickleball, running, reading, and playing my Nintendo Switch!

Most memorable musical moment:
One of my most memorable musical moments was playing Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King live with the Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom. The amazing score; the awesome, huge orchestra/choir; and the packed crowd combined into a truly electric experience.

What you love about playing your instrument:
I love the sound of the trumpet and feeling like it's an extension of my voice. From beautiful, tender chorales, to heroic, brassy fanfares, to jazzy big band charts—the trumpet can do it all!

Weight