I, Paul D. Morelli, am a trumpeter / jazz composer / arranger / transcriber / college professor / conductor / saxophonist / clarinetist / flutist and, if someone gets really desperate, trombonist, euphoniumist, and vocalist.
Way back when:
My musical training began with piano lessons in elementary school, and I joined band in 5th grade playing the trumpet. By 7th grade, I began earning spots in regional (middle Tennessee) honor bands and playing with the invitation-only middle school jazz band. In high school, I began figuring out how to improvise, played in chamber ensembles, earned a chair in the all-state band, and continued to play in honor jazz bands. Jumping at any opportunity, I performed in the pit for our high school musicals even though the music was too difficult for me at the time. I also began experimenting with arranging, leading an octet featuring my own arrangements, despite the fact that I lacked anywhere near the theory knowledge necessary to the task.
College:
I began college as an engineering major, but spent my time learning music theory, picking up new instruments, and playing in as many college ensembles as I could fit into the schedule. After a year and half, I transfered and began a music degree as a jazz composition/arranging major. Besides my jazz focus, I also spent plenty of time studying classical trumpet repertoire and taking saxophone lessons. I wrote for the jazz, rock, and athletic bands. I joined every group I could, including the jazz orchestra, jazz combos, wind ensemble, rock band, contemporary chamber ensemble, and even jazz singers. I also began my professional career by subbing in a local jazz orchestra and earning a regular job with a rock band.
After college:
After earning my degree, I worked independently performing, teaching privately, and writing for several years. During this time, I composed and recorded an album, worked as a session man for Delta Recording, played for both local groups and groups touring through who needed to contract a horn player. Highlights include performing with the Temptations and with James Mathus' band on NPR's Toast of the Nation. During this time, I was frequently working on both trumpet and saxophone/flute/clarinet.
Grad school:
Returning to school, I completed a Master's degree, also in Jazz Studies, during which I continued to study classical trumpet as well. Besides arranging my own projects, I wrote for incoming guest artists including Marvin Stamm, Third Coast Vocals, Joyce Cobb, Marcella Piniella, and Antonio Hart.
Switching tacks, after completing my jazz MM, I continued into a DMA program, this time studying classical trumpet with a conducting minor. Here I became quite capable with classical trumpet skills like transposition on sight and playing C, E-flat, and piccolo trumpets. During my DMA, I got significant experience as a lead trumpet player for the first time, something I would use frequently as a professional. My dissertation was a performance guide to Peter Lawrence's trumpet music, a set of fine solo pieces. Each requires both classical and jazz phrasing and doubling on several instruments.
I taught classes while working on my DMA, including aural theory, jazz ensemble, and jazz theory, developing syllabi for the classes as well.
During the time I was in grad school, I continued to work professionally, performing with many groups on trumpet and woodwinds, and recording for many local bands. I led my own eight-piece band that focused on swing music for dancing, writing the whole book and playing trumpet, saxes, clarinet, and flute.
Teaching college:
DMA complete, I took a job at a small college in Dodge City KS. For several years, I taught college full time, building a tiny instrumental program back up. I ran wind ensemble, a community symphony, and a jazz combo; taught theory; and taught brass and woodwind private lessons. I started a new community jazz orchestra, composed and arranged for our ensembles, and worked as a clinician for local high schools and middle schools.
I am currently the instrumental music director at Wallace Community College in Dothan, AL, where I run the instrumental ensembles and the orchestra for Broadway musical productions. I also teach Music Appreciation, Music Theory classes, and lessons in brass, woodwinds, and jazz.
Outside of music:
When not doing musical work, I enjoy exploring trails, mountains, and caves.
Way back when:
My musical training began with piano lessons in elementary school, and I joined band in 5th grade playing the trumpet. By 7th grade, I began earning spots in regional (middle Tennessee) honor bands and playing with the invitation-only middle school jazz band. In high school, I began figuring out how to improvise, played in chamber ensembles, earned a chair in the all-state band, and continued to play in honor jazz bands. Jumping at any opportunity, I performed in the pit for our high school musicals even though the music was too difficult for me at the time. I also began experimenting with arranging, leading an octet featuring my own arrangements, despite the fact that I lacked anywhere near the theory knowledge necessary to the task.
College:
I began college as an engineering major, but spent my time learning music theory, picking up new instruments, and playing in as many college ensembles as I could fit into the schedule. After a year and half, I transfered and began a music degree as a jazz composition/arranging major. Besides my jazz focus, I also spent plenty of time studying classical trumpet repertoire and taking saxophone lessons. I wrote for the jazz, rock, and athletic bands. I joined every group I could, including the jazz orchestra, jazz combos, wind ensemble, rock band, contemporary chamber ensemble, and even jazz singers. I also began my professional career by subbing in a local jazz orchestra and earning a regular job with a rock band.
After college:
After earning my degree, I worked independently performing, teaching privately, and writing for several years. During this time, I composed and recorded an album, worked as a session man for Delta Recording, played for both local groups and groups touring through who needed to contract a horn player. Highlights include performing with the Temptations and with James Mathus' band on NPR's Toast of the Nation. During this time, I was frequently working on both trumpet and saxophone/flute/clarinet.
Grad school:
Returning to school, I completed a Master's degree, also in Jazz Studies, during which I continued to study classical trumpet as well. Besides arranging my own projects, I wrote for incoming guest artists including Marvin Stamm, Third Coast Vocals, Joyce Cobb, Marcella Piniella, and Antonio Hart.
Switching tacks, after completing my jazz MM, I continued into a DMA program, this time studying classical trumpet with a conducting minor. Here I became quite capable with classical trumpet skills like transposition on sight and playing C, E-flat, and piccolo trumpets. During my DMA, I got significant experience as a lead trumpet player for the first time, something I would use frequently as a professional. My dissertation was a performance guide to Peter Lawrence's trumpet music, a set of fine solo pieces. Each requires both classical and jazz phrasing and doubling on several instruments.
I taught classes while working on my DMA, including aural theory, jazz ensemble, and jazz theory, developing syllabi for the classes as well.
During the time I was in grad school, I continued to work professionally, performing with many groups on trumpet and woodwinds, and recording for many local bands. I led my own eight-piece band that focused on swing music for dancing, writing the whole book and playing trumpet, saxes, clarinet, and flute.
Teaching college:
DMA complete, I took a job at a small college in Dodge City KS. For several years, I taught college full time, building a tiny instrumental program back up. I ran wind ensemble, a community symphony, and a jazz combo; taught theory; and taught brass and woodwind private lessons. I started a new community jazz orchestra, composed and arranged for our ensembles, and worked as a clinician for local high schools and middle schools.
I am currently the instrumental music director at Wallace Community College in Dothan, AL, where I run the instrumental ensembles and the orchestra for Broadway musical productions. I also teach Music Appreciation, Music Theory classes, and lessons in brass, woodwinds, and jazz.
Outside of music:
When not doing musical work, I enjoy exploring trails, mountains, and caves.
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