Trumpets
Lead
James Brian Pierce
Senior
Favorite Midwest piece?
Tall Cotton - I have always loved everything about Basie tunes. The style, control, and power of Basie’s big band is amazing to listen to and it is so much fun to try and replicate that.
Favorite piece you’ve played?
Blues and the Abscessed Tooth
What is a takeaway from our program?
My biggest take away from the jazz program here at Homestead is how important the chemistry of a group is in the performing arts. This years group is very tightly knit, and that helps so much with our playing. Many of us have spent the past 3-4 years working our way up from the very bottom together, and having those connections allows us to feel and control the music so much differently than if we didn’t have those bonds and it just gives us more confidence.
Favorite band/composer?
Incubus
Second
Clark Rumple
Senior
Favorite Midwest piece?
I Like Bebop is my favorite Midwest piece because of the high tempo and exciting feel.
Favorite piece you’ve played?
Unparliamentary Language
What’s your favorite memory/memorable thing?
My favorite memory was when I was playing a duet last year and the stage's speakers were echoing our playing back at us. We were trying to hold it together while completely losing our minds from the feedback.
What other instrument would you play?
If I actually committed to learning it, I would love playing piano.
Third
Peyton Maack
Senior
Favorite Midwest piece?
I love Midnight Run because it is definitely a type of piece you don't hear too often. It has a ton of moving parts that are all their own main melody and I think that's really cool.
Favorite piece you’ve played?
On Purple Porpoise Parkway
What is a takeaway from our program?
That no matter what type of musician you are, there is always ways to improve in areas. I think that applies to life in general.
What inspired you to be in our program?
The man, the myth, the legend himself, Jason James Witzigreuter. I really just admire how he teaches and he's made me so much more confident in my playing abilities and my overall abilities in general. He's someone I really look up to and I genuinely love being in any and all of his classes.
Third/Fourth
Nolan Ahlersmeyer
Senior
Favorite Midwest piece?
Tall Cotton - I love the trombone solo.
Favorite piece you’ve played?
Scott’s Place
What are you looking forward to during the trip?
Walking around the event and seeing other ensembles.
What’s your favorite memory/memorable thing?
Performing my first solo at the PFW Wind Fest.
Fourth/Fifth
Aubrey Strebig
Junior
Favorite Midwest piece?
Tall Cotton
Favorite piece you’ve played?
When I Fall In Love
What piece have you listened to the most?
For reference, I Like Bebop. In general, probably Midnight Run.
What’s your favorite memory/memorable thing?
Walking around Pendleton with Lilia and Savada (Jazz 2 trumpet and clarinet).