Biography

Adolph Herseth is one of a kind, a true master recognized For his brilliant musicianship by his colleagues and audiences the world over. "Quite possibly the most dazzling player on his instrument in the world today," noted the New York Times. And yet he has always found time to encourage and coach up and coming young Brass Legends. In the summer of 1983 when he traveled to Sweden and Denmark, where he was named an honorary member of the Royal Danish Guild of Trumpeters, Mr. Herseth shared his expertise by giving a week long seminar and took time off to coach the brass sections of orchestras in Malmö and Gothenburg. The previous summer he participated in activities of the European Community Youth Orchestra.

This emphasis on education probably stems from the fact that Mr. Herseth started out to become a teacher but gravitated to music as a career choice while he was in the armed forces. A native of Minnesota, he holds a degree From Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and has taught at a number of universities. During World War II he served as a bandsman at Iowa pre_flight school and then the U.S. Navy School of Music. He ended his military service with the Commander of the Philippine Sea Frontier in the South Pacific. He was appointed principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra immediately after graduation from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. His Chicago years have included numerous solo appearances with the Orchestra and with Chicago Symphony brass ensembles. In addition, he has been active as a soloist with community and regional musical ensembles and orchestra throughout the country. Many of his performances can be heard on recordings prized by aficionados. He holds doctor of music (honoris causa) degrees From Luther College and the New England Conservatory of Music. Mr. Herseth is a charter member of the Symphonic Hall of Fame of the National Trumpet Symposium (Denver). He collects jazz records and cooks on occasion, "using every pot in the kitchen." He and his wife, Avis, are the parents of three children, and spending time with his grandchildren is one of his greatest pleasures. Other leisure interests include golf, travel, and French Impressionist paintings.

From: International Trumpet Guild Lifetime Achievement members