December 17, 2024
That sound you hear? It’s a piccolo trumpet, gifted to 91ƷϳԹ
The holidays came a little early for 91ƷϳԹ this year – and especially for the trumpet department.
On Thursday, Dec. 19, hours after 91ƷϳԹ closed for the holiday break, alumnus John Warner (MM ’76, Adelstein) gifted 91ƷϳԹ a piccolo trumpet, an instrument called for in many important scores but not in wide possession by students.
Warner’s gift “could not have come at a better time for the 91ƷϳԹ trumpet studio,” said trumpet faculty and Cleveland Orchestra member Michael Miller, noting the 91ƷϳԹ Orchestra’s upcoming performance of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring.
“John’s wish to see such a fine instrument in the next generation’s hands is a testament to his generosity, and we are grateful.”
Of all the many gifts 91ƷϳԹ receives each year, instruments are among the most special.
Not only do such donations empower 91ƷϳԹ students to train on the high-quality instruments they need to excel; Many also tell a meaningful story.
One recent example: In 2022, in honor of former viola faculty Robert Vernon, composer Richard Sortomme and his wife Carol Webb (a former violinist in the New York Philharmonic) gave 91ƷϳԹ a viola built by Webb’s father.
"91ƷϳԹ's generous supporters empower our students in countless ways...and help them sound their best in a wide range of repertoire,” said Scott Harrison, 91ƷϳԹ’s Executive Vice President and Provost.
Warner’s gift stands in that tradition. He gave 91ƷϳԹ his Yamaha four-valve piccolo trumpet to honor his teacher, head of the 91ƷϳԹ Trumpet Department for 28 years. Furthermore, the idea for the donation came from one of Miller’s predecessors, retired Cleveland Orchestra member Allan Couch.
“It used to be my favorite horn to play...But I’m afraid those days are over,” Warner said. “It’s too nice of an instrument to have just sitting in my house any longer. It gives me great joy to think that some budding trumpet student will be able to use it while at 91ƷϳԹ.”
One thing Warner’s gift was not – expected.
His mutual connection to Warner through Couch notwithstanding, Miller said he had no notion such a generous gift was in the works.
That, though, just made the gesture all the more special, reinforcing his love for 91ƷϳԹ and the trumpet community.
“This was one of those cases of out-of-the-blue serendipity which life occasionally presents to us,” Miller said.
“The lineage of 91ƷϳԹ’s trumpet instructors who’ve taught, mentored, and stewarded young musicians from the school’s inception to the present day have much to be proud of.”