Mike Brozick, Trumpet
Instrument/Section
Trumpet
When did you begin to play your instrument?
I chose the trumpet in 4th grade after growing up hearing movie soundtracks where the trumpet always accompanied the hero, like Indiana Jones. I thought with only three “buttons” it looked easier than the other instruments – little did I know! I’m still trying to master everything about it.
Where did you study your main instrument; with whom?
I had many great teachers from Jack McKie and Roger Sherman from the Pittsburgh Symphony, who sharpened my fundamentals, to Max Sommerhalder and Armando Ghitalla, who inspired me to play with style and become a musician and artist. I was actually supposed to be visiting Max this very month at his home in the paradise of Switzerland but we had to postpone our trip.
When did you join ESO?
In 2013. My audition was Andrew Grams’ third day on the job.
What other orchestras have you played with/do you play with now?
I’m also a member of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Philharmonic, and Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra. I have performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Milwaukee Symphony, Grant Park Orchestra and Music of the Baroque.
What was your most memorable ESO performance?
Playing Gustav Mahler’s “Totenfeier” and his orchestration of Beethoven‘s 9th Symphony. Playing two of my favorite composers in rare concert versions of these familiar works was thrilling.
What are some of your interests, and how are you passing the time?
I have been enjoying spending lots of time with my pug, Arthur. It’s kind of nice to spend time with “analog” things in quarantine like drawing, reading magazines and writing on my 1947 Smith-Corona Clipper typewriter.
