Mr. Matt

Mr. Matt is a trumpet player from the Florida panhandle. Originally from Crestview, he grew up in the Okaloosa County School District which was very supportive of the arts. He began playing the trumpet in the sixth grade and has loved playing it ever since. In the eighth grade, he began taking private lessons from former U.S Air Force Musician Jon Yates, continuing throughout high school. During his high school career, he was selected to perform in the Okaloosa County High School Honor Band three years in a row and sat principal trumpet his senior year. After his High School career, Matthew began pursuing a degree in trumpet performance at The University of Southern Mississippi, studying with Dr. Timothy Tesh. During his first year at USM, he was selected to perform in the trumpet studio’s Advanced Trumpet Ensemble, the Symphonic Winds, and the Wind Ensemble. Since moving back to the Florida panhandle, he has been working as a freelance musician, teaching private lessons, and recently became a member of the Downbeat Jazz Orchestra, one of the premier jazz bands of the Emerald Coast. Mr. Matt also leads the beginning trumpet players in the Sea Breeze Wind Ensemble at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast.

Take a peek at Mr. Matt’s gift in the video below!