About Rick Jordan
For more than 20 years, Rick Jordan has been performing as a live and session, freelance trumpet artist.
Rick attended Colorado State University where he studied trumpet under the acclaimed Dr. Jacob Larson, with the intention of becoming an orchestral trumpet artist. Fulfilling the pedagogy for a performance degree and working toward an education degree, Rick became introduced to the Big Band Jazz genre. Working with his best friend and high note trumpet player Alan Wise, who played with Maynard Ferguson for nine years, he developed a very strong high range and began a pursuit of playing lead trumpet in big bands.
Out of school, he became a principle in the 80s era, cutting edge fusion band “Kinesis.” Since then, Rick has performed with Louie Bellson, Bill Watrous, Bob James, Kitty Hawk, Woody Herman, Gato Barbieri, Pat Metheny, Michael Brecker, Eric Marienthal, Eric Gunnison, Greg Gisbert, Rob McConnell and Boss Brass, Spyro Gyra, Sea Wind, Temptations, Four Tops, BJ Thomas, Clarence Clemons, The Platters, The Spinners, Frankie Valli, Sheena Easton, Dianna Krall, Bob Hope, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Joel Kaye’s Neophonic Orchestra, The Darren Kramer Organization, John Akal and the Ultraphonic Orchestra, Franz Roehmann’s Concert Jazz Orchestra, Conjunto Colores, Orquestra la Salsa, The Blooz Dogz, Chris Daniels and the Kings, Groove Machine, Soul X, Heartbeat, Boogielicious , Park Avenue and Tina Marx and the Millionaires.
Rick believes fun is not in the study, but in what the study produces: results. “No investment, little results,” he explains. “Pursuit of an inspiring musical experience requires work and tenacity.”
A student of Rick’s should expect lessons to be work. “The fun comes in the increasing realization by the musician of their command of their instrument and of the musical language. Committed effort delivers results, which in the musical experience is the joy in performance. I see it happen repeatedly for those who come through my studio who commit to it.”
Music teacher who inspired me the most: I cannot give this to one teacher. There were five that made all the difference during a very important time for me. Anthony Cribelli (Junior High Band Director) was one who recognized my interest, talent and created momentum for my musical future. Curtis Johnson (High School Band Director) continued to challenge and push me forward with the reward of more and greater challenges, Steve McNeal (High School Orchestra Director) showed us humility, how to be emotionally connected to music, each other and how to motivate and be motivated through spirit. Hal Eastburn (High School Choir Director) fed and challenged young musicians and voices to try and be much more than anyone would expect from young people of our age. Last but certainly not least, Dr. Jacob Larson (my mentor), who was my motivation and my most important influence in trumpet performance and education.
How I am making the world a better place: One day at a time…one person at a time…starting with myself…today…and then again tomorrow.
Favorite quote: “The battle is not man vs. the trumpet….. It’s a battle between man and how far we can push us to make this wonderful thing we call music.” -Vincent Chichowicz
