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Inspired to Play More Piano

For many years, (actually) decades, I have marveled at the ability of jazz and classical musicians to make beautiful music using one solo instrument. Although at a young age the trumpet was my choice in the instrument families, and I rebelled against my mother’s insistence for me to take piano lessons, I secretly envied those musicians that “tickled the ivories.” Like most musicians, I sometimes would sit at the piano and plunk out a few melodies, but for the most part, the piano was an instrument too complicated for me to “waste” my time with.

It was when I joined the Air Force Band that I found myself searching for ways to make music other than with the trumpet. It wasn’t until around 2000 that my curiosity about the piano got the best of me and I started to teach myself jazz piano. Jimmy Driscoll, an absolute beast of a jazz piano player and fellow Airman, taught me one jazz lick on the piano.

I must tell this TRUE story about Jimmy Driscoll and Wynton Marsalis. I was put in charge of military expedition to find and recruit talented musicians in New York City. To make a long story short, thanks to an oboe player whose father is a good friend of Wynton’s, my team, which included Jimmy, ended up in Wynton’s apartment. When we walked into the apartment, we were met by Wes Anderson (saxophone player) who ushered us into a music room where Wynton was sitting at his piano, singing and playing the blues about the devastating destruction to New Orleans caused by Hurricane Katrina. Wynton is a pretty good piano player and singer!

After finding out Jimmy played piano, Wynton asked Jimmy to play the piano. After some serious insisting from everyone in the room, Jimmy reluctantly sat at the grand piano and started to play. I was sitting across from Wynton and noticed that he was becoming more and more anxious. Suddenly, he gets up, runs to another room, and reappears with trumpet in hand. They had some serious musical chemistry.

After they finished playing Wynton asked Jimmy if he wanted a job. Jimmy told him in his self-deprecating way, that he (Jimmy) wasn’t good enough. ANYWAY….!!! Wynton was a very gracious host and even asked if we wanted to play basketball.

I was inspired to play more piano….and sing! Hope you enjoy. Full playlist here

Full playlist here

2011 Performance with Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra of Honduras

This classic video is from my first trip to perform with the Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra of Honduras in 2011.

A Trumpet Summit at Good Times Jazz Restaurant and Bar

This past weekend, I had the opportunity, privilege, honor and pleasure to perform with a group of jazz musicians (see picture) at the “World-Famous” Good Times Jazz Restaurant and Bar in downtown Historic Savannah, GA.  Deemed a “Trumpet Summit”, the gig reunited Dr. Longineu Parsons and myself in a jazz collaboration of different jazz styles.  We played two nights in this incredibly nice establishment where there was great cuisine, first class service, and a relaxing atmosphere.  If you ever get a chance to visit Savannah, go by Good Times and be prepared to have a GREAT TIME.

Update On My Ramped Up Performance Schedule

If you haven’t noticed, I have ramped up my performance schedule for the past several months.  That is not by accident.  Since I am no longer the Director of Bands (Marching Band) at my university, I have time to do what I truly enjoy the most.  Performing on my trumpet is what I think I was born to do!  Even though I have been making music on the professional level for many years, I still feel the flame of excitement every time I step on the performance stage.  It’s a passion that I hope to have for the rest of my life.

Don’t get me wrong; I still do enjoy teaching.  Sharing my knowledge, expertise, and talents with young musicians is another love of mine.  It warms my heart to see my students improve and develop skills they thought they would never have.  In my teaching philosophy, I state that the success of my teaching will be determined by the success of my students. I also know that every trumpet student that I have will not achieve the level that I set for them, but I will I never give up on their success.

I would be completely honored if you came to one of my future public performances.  And, if you do come, please say hello to me.  It’s a privilege to perform music for you. 

Solo Show at the Velvet Note Jazz Club in Atlanta

I recently had a great time playing at The Velvet Note Jazz club in Alpharetta, Ga just outside of Atlanta.

The Velvet Note has been a staple of the Atlanta jazz scene for years. It’s a small, cozy club, which creates a very intimate and personal experience for both the musician and the audience.

You can watch the entire performance right here:

Press Release

Dr. Kenneth Trimmins is happy to announce a new website, designed to highlight his music, his teaching and music lessons, and his upcoming events.