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Biography
The trumpet world lost one of its most
influential personalities of the 20th century on
August 26, 2003. Mel Broiles learned to
play the trumpet in second grade in Salina,
Kansas. In his later school years (1940s), after
moving to California, he played in dance bands
around Hollywood and Los Angeles where he listened
to the music of Charlie Parker, Howard McGee and
others.
In 1950, Broiles entered The Juilliard School
where he was a student of William Vacchiano. His
education was interrupted with an invitation to
perform with The Symphony of the Air (NBC
Symphony) for a tour of the Far East. This
three-month tour entertained servicemen in Japan,
Korea, and many other countries in that part of
the world.
On his return, Mr. Broiles did considerable
work freelancing in New York City. He played many
studio dates and Broadway shows, and was the brass
coach for the National Orchestra, a student
training orchestra in NYC.
From 1951 to 1955 Mel Broiles served with the
West Point Military Academy Band in the United
States Army. He spoke fondly of his time with this
organization and told John Sartoris, a later
member of the band who studied with him, that his
playing improved dramatically during his four
years at West Point. The section during Broiles'
tenure included Robert Nagel, Frank Kaderabek,
Thomas Stevens, and many other fine players.
In 1956 he was engaged by the Metropolitan
Opera to play trumpet in the stage band. He left
in 1957 to play a season with the Philadelphia
Orchestra. During this time he was married to
Teresa Yergo; their daughter, Karen, was born a
year later. He returned to the Metropolitan Opera
in 1958, where he remained as principal trumpet
until his retirement in July of 2001.
In 1971 Mel Broiles was appointed to the
faculty at The Juilliard School where he taught
for more than thirty years. He was prolific as a
composer for trumpet ensemble, brass ensemble, and
he wrote many etude books for trumpet. A library
of his music is being established by Fred Mills,
professor of trumpet at the University of Georgia,
Athens.
Mel Broiles' interests went beyond trumpet. He
was an accomplished pilot, and owned a Cessna
single-wing four-seat aircraft. He also excelled
as a photographer, using many sophisticated still
cameras, movie cameras, and various other
photographic techniques to record the world and
the people around him.
Source:
Karen and Teresa Broiles, compiled by Gary
Mortenson |
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