Russell Whitehead

Russell Whitehead is a professional trumpeter, conductor, recording artist, and music educator. He has attended masterclasses with Armando Ghitalla (Boston Symphony), Phil Smith (New York Philharmonic), Markus Stockhausen (European recording artist), and James Thomson (Montreal Symphony), and was part of the Banff School of the Arts summer programs for many years, studying with David Hickman of Arizona State University.

He was Principal Trumpet of the Saskatoon Symphony and often conducted the Saskatoon Symphony Core Musicians in chamber and children's shows. He has played with the Edmonton Symphony for 30+ years and was appointed Acting Principal Trumpet for the 2004-05 season. Along with a diverse solo, chamber, and freelance career, Russell has been a proponent of Edmonton's New Music scene, mentoring young composers and collaborating with vanguards of the art form. 2006 saw the release of his solo CD, “Prairie Scenes”, on the Arktos label. He has also performed in musicals and played in jazz and dance bands for many years. He is now a member of the brass quintet, Bok Brass, and freelances with many ensembles around Edmonton.

Mr. Whitehead has taught at the University of Alberta, Concordia University of Edmonton, King's University, MacEwan University Conservatory of Music, University of Saskatchewan and privately through his home. He works with entire bands often, and has been a clinician with Windworks, the Cantando Band Festival, and MusiCamp Alberta (Summer Music Workshop), Mr. Whitehead has also adjudicated at music festivals throughout western Canada. He continues to work with community bands and brass players primarily in Alberta.

Teaching Quote/Philosophy: 

We are all talented musically, because we have heard music everyday of our lives; we are all professional consumers of music. The work in the practise room is learning to think the music ahead of your playing and then develop instrumental skill to play what you hear.  

 

Lesson Description: 

I teach students of all levels from ages 10 years and older. 
I'm interested in the music you like and incorporate that music into lessons.  
I teach an awareness of time, sound, articulation, and dynamics and then you practise that awareness within the time limits of your daily activities and focus. 
Lessons are taught out of my home on the south side of the river, in the community of Hazeldean. 

 

Education and Certification: 

Master of Music in Performance, University of Michigan, 1985 
Bachelor of Music in Performance, University of Saskatchewan, 1983 

 

Professional Associations and Memberships: 

Member of the Canadian Federation of Musicians 
Member of Bok Brass