Sound The Trumpet!

Drew Fennell

Drew Fennell joined the River City Brass Band in 1998 as Assistant Principal Solo Cornet. Since then, he accepted the role of Co-Associate Conductor of the ensemble. A 1994 graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, he studied with the inimitable Anthony Pasquarelli. Fennell performed extensively during this time, including several solo appearances with the Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic. After receiving his degree, he served as Principal Trumpet with the Butler, Altoona and Youngstown Symphonies, as well as a six-month appointment to the position of Second Trumpet with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, his solo playing has been heard locally and internationally in recital, and on International Public Radio. You can find out more about Drew at www.PittsburghTrumpet.com

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Since long before Princess Diana marched down the aisle to the ?Prince of Denmark?s March,? trumpets have been a wonderful addition to countless weddings. Whether it is just one trumpet with organ, piano or string quartet, or multiple trumpets peeling fanfares, trumpets help to create an atmosphere of splendor and outright royal grandeur for any wedding. A bride may choose to unveil the trumpet at the moment of her grand entry.

Consider having the Reiche ?Abblassen? to announce the bride (Sample). You may recognize this as the long-time theme from the TV series ?CBS Sunday Morning.? For the bridal procession, most brides go with the old standard, Clarke?s ?Prince of Denmark?s March? (Sample). You really can?t go wrong with this piece. Other options are: Handel?s ?La R?jouissance? (Sample); Purcell?s ?Trumpet Tune? (Sample); Mouret?s ?Rondeau,? a.k.a. the ?Theme from Masterpiece Theater? (Sample); Handel?s ?Allegro Maestoso? (Sample); or the contemporary wedding march, ?Procesi?n Alegre,? by Garry A. Cornell (Sample).