Recent Lectures

Decoding the Ancestor of the Modern-Day Trombone

Presented by Ben David Aronson, DMA
December | View Lecture Page

Journey back in time and immerse yourself in the rich, resonant sounds of the Sackbut, an historical instrument that dates back to the seventeenth century. Trombonist, Ben David Aronson, will present a selection of the earliest solo and chamber ensemble repertoire, giving a nuanced appreciation of the instruments’ unique characteristics, capabilities, and historical context. Ben David will be joined by trumpeter, Paul Tingley, and keyboardist, James Jordan, on behalf of Arts Empowering Life.

Trumpet Function & Fashion: From the Earliest Sounds to the High Baroque Era

Presented by Jared Wallis
November | View Lecture Page

Dr. Jared Wallis is a trumpeter, scholar, and teaching artist based in Rochester, NY. Jared is a regular member of the Ithaca Brass and Sonitus Clarissima and has performed with numerous groups including the Mantzaros Philharmonic Society and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. He was awarded 1st prize in the 2022 North American Baroque Trumpet Competition, and he recently gave the world premiere of his first composition, We Are Still Here, at the 2023 International Trumpet Guild Conference. A passionate mentor, Jared currently serves as assistant professor of trumpet at Ithaca College and assistant professor of baroque trumpet at the Eastman School of Music. Jared earned his MM, DMA, and Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with James Thompson and Boyde Hood. He is also a graduate of the University of Kentucky, where he studied with Jason Dovel and graduated summa cum laude. Jared is a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.

Medical Musician: A Storyteller in Sound

Presented by Andrew Schulman
October | View Lecture Page

Accomplished professional guitar player and medical musician, Andrew Schulman, describes the healing power of music in critical care units. He shares his inspiring personal story, including how music saved his life while in a medically induced coma, critically ill and given very little chance of surviving. This experience inspired him to give back to the medical staff who cared for him by returning to the ICU as a musician and using music to help heal patients.
Mr. Schulman illustrates various stories with his guitar playing.

Sound the Trumpet: Tracing the Use of the Trumpet through the Bible

Presented by Paul Tingley, DMA
September | View Lecture Page

This first lecture of the new series explores the biblical significance of the trumpet as a symbol and instrument, drawing from the scripture “The trumpet shall sound.” It traces the rich history of the trumpet in the Bible, examining its role in conveying divine messages and heralding significant events. The lecture incorporates musical excerpts from Handel’s “Messiah” and works by Samuel Adler, to illuminate the trumpet’s spiritual and cultural importance throughout history.