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Keith started playing as an exuberant young student, and was in no time being told that he had a natural ability. Once Keith started showing an interest in playing for a living, he was quickly told to just keep it as a hobby, how hard the music business is, etc. As Keith got in to high school, he got "stuck" on the high note pursuit. Still chasing that dream of wanting to play professionally, the lack of real guidance and support quickly took its toll. Keith auditioned for Raymond Crisara at the University of Texas at Austin and was granted a full ride scholarship. Believing what he'd been told for years (you'll never make it), he struggled his first and only year at UT… after receiving a letter from the admissions office stating that the out of state scholarship was cut due to legislation, Keith decided to hang it up as a trumpet player.

Keith quit trumpet playing for nearly 3 years. He was miserable and felt as though something was truly missing from his life. Starting to play again was no easy feat. Working full time, with no teacher nor motivation to play, made things even tougher, but this time Keith marched ahead. He was offered a chance to play with a local group forming (that he still performs with today) and jumped at the chance. He started asking questions, reading, and working hard on the one aspect that confused him from a young age. In 2004, Keith was offered the opportunity to play on Maynard Ferguson's band and jumped at that chance!!! Staying with MF for a year, Keith took every opportunity to ask questions, take notes, and learn as much as possible.

Mr Hickman recorded his latest album on a Concert 460LT Bb Trumpet. We are currently including his CD "Trumpet Fiesta" A Celebration of Rafael Mendez" with purchase of this instrument. For more information on Mr. Hickman, please see his website at www.hickmanmusiceditions.com. You can also purchase his new CD directly from us on our Accessories page.

Trumpet player, composer, and educator, Ray Lavan, III, was born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana.  He is the son of Ella Lavan and the late Rayfield Lavan, Jr.  Ray’s passion for music started at an early age.  He received his first musical instrument, a toy piano, at age three, and he began learning to play the trumpet at age seven.  Ray includes Freddie Hubbard, Miles Davis, and Earth, Wind, and Fire on his list of musical influences.

Ray attended LaGrange High School where he served as Drum Major of the Gator Band and received accolades including being named to the All-State, All-Region, and All-Region Jazz bands.  Ray went on to attend and graduate from McNeese State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education.  During his tenure at McNeese, Ray continued to work in his craft by serving as Drum Major for the Pride of McNeese Marching Band, participating in the Lake Charles Symphony, and performing as the Principal Trumpet in the Wind Ensemble,  Messiah Orchestra and Jazz Band. 

Ray’s musical talent has garnered him performances with many great artists such as Grammy winner Bobby Sanabria, Jens Lindemann, Marcus Roberts and the Boston Brass.  Ray has performed with and been a part of several local/regional bands including City Heat, Soul Vacation, Hamilton Loomis, and lead his own band, The Groove Knights.  He has toured Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, and Texas showcasing his amazing musical abilities.  One of Ray’s greatest moments as a musician occurred when he received private instruction from famed trumpet player, Wynton Marsalis.

Ray and his wife Diztorsha reside in Orange, Texas, where he is the Director of Bands for the West Orange-Cove Consolidated Independent School District.  Ray also serves as a freelance musician and is currently working on his first album.  

In the twelve years since calling Austin home, Ephraim has become more than a staple in the local music scene—he is truly the cornerstone of the intimate community of jazz artists. A native of Dallas, Ephraim began playing classical trumpet at the age of 8 later attending Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. While continuing his education on music scholarships at Weatherford Junior College and Southwest Texas State University, Ephraim gained international exposure for solo ensemble and composition. During this time he took a hands-on approach to breaking into the Austin club scene by cruising town with his horn in hand and sitting in with fellow musicians of all styles and genres. This quickly earned him a reputation as one of the hottest horn players in town. He is a master in the jazz arena, especially well known for his signature solos and ability to improvise. He has an uncanny ability to imagine his music laid on top of anything else he hears, and his adaptability makes him a welcome addition to almost any lineup. The Austin Chronicle ranks Ephraim as "Best Horn" in Austin and has named Blaze, a group that features Ephraim on trumpet, as "Best Jazz Band."

Shane Pitsch holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in trumpet performance and literature from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance degree from Eastern Illinois University, and a Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance (jazz emphasis) degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Shane has performed with artists such as: • Willie Nelson •The Drifters •Sam Moore (of Sam and Dave) •Maria Schneider •Wayne Shorter •Steve Turre •Henry Butler •Spoon •What Made Milwaukee Famous •The Latin Breed •Johnny Bush •Ron Wilkins •...and many others.

Over the past several years, Shane has been involved with many Austin area bands, including: •Global Soul (co-leader) •Ghandaia •Opositivo •The Latin Breed •The Caldwell Shine Band •ATX Big Band •Blind Date •The Nash Hernandez Orchestra •The Contemporary Works Jazz Orchestra.

Shane currently plays with: •Shane Pitsch and the Smokestack Revue •The Smokestack Horns •The Shane Pitsch Quintet/Sextet • Drew Smith's Lonely Choir •Akina Adderly and the Vintage Playboys •about:blank.

As Director of Brass, Everol Wray leads the brass section and is responsible for admitting new members to the section. He is also the Principal Trumpeter and is being groomed as a conductor.

Since 1987, Everol has performed professionally around the world, including Europe, Asia, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. He has also been the lead trumpeter for many major works, including Lauryn Hill's hit song "Doo Wop (That Thing)" from her Album "Miseducation of Lauryn Hill."

A key member of the 'Lloyd Parks & We The People Band,' Everol has performed with several top international entertainers, including Dennis Brown, Jimmy Cliff, among others. He has also just arranged the horn parts for Jimmy Cliff's soon to be released Album "Existence."

Accredited by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, Everol is one of the top trumpeters on the island of Jamaica and is expected to play a key role in the launch of the JSO internationally.