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 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).
The trumpet usually performs at the recessional of the wedding ceremony as well. Any of the above are good choices for this. Especially appropriate are the Handel ?La R?jouissance? and ?Allegro Maestoso,? as well as the Mouret ?Rondeau.?
One should also remember that the trumpet is perhaps one of the most versatile musical instruments in the world, performing with groups ranging from orchestras to marching bands, jazz combos to chamber ensemble. The trumpet, in the hands of a skilled professional, can do much, much more than just play loudly. Here are some examples of the ?other side? of the trumpet: Bach?s ?Jesu, Joy of Man?s Desiring? (Sample); Bach?s ?Sheep May Safely Graze? (Sample); Bach?s ?If Thou Be Near? (Sample); or Bach/Gounod?s ?Ave Maria? (Sample).
If you like the sound of one trumpet, you are sure to love multiple trumpets. In groups of three or more, trumpets can sound glorious fanfares, announcing the entrance of members of the family, of the bridal party or honored guests.
The suggested repertoire above is by no means an exhaustive listing. A good trumpet player can perform just about any piece you want, adding a truly regal air to your special day.