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Last Stop, Carnegie Hall © 2016 Brian A. Shook

New York Philharmonic Trumpeter William Vacchiano

Shook's work introduces the public to a man who affected the musical shape of many major orchestras around the world.
Ronald Romm

Last Stop, Carnegie Hall is now available as an e-book through the Barnes & Noble Nook, Google Books, and Kobo Books.

Inside the Cover

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   William Vacchiano (1912—2005) was principal trumpet with the New York Philharmonic from 1942 to 1973, and taught at The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes College of Music, Queens College, and Columbia Teachers College. While at the Philharmonic, Vacchiano performed under the batons of Arturo Toscanini, Bruno Walter, Dimitri Mitropoulos, and Leonard Bernstein and played in the world premières of almost 200 pieces by such composers as Vaughan Williams, Copland, and Barber. Vacchiano was important not only for his performances, but also for his teaching. His students have held the principal chairs of many major orchestras and are prominent teachers themselves, and they have enriched non-classical music as well.

     Last Stop, Carnegie Hall features an overview of the life of this very private artist, based on several personal interviews conducted by Brian A. Shook and Vacchiano’s notes for his own unpublished memoir. Shook also interviewed over 60 of his students and colleagues and includes a chapter containing their recollections. Other important topics include analyses of Vacchiano’s pedagogical methods and his interpretations of important trumpet pieces, his “rules of orchestral performance,” and his equipment. A discography, a bibliography of Vacchiano’s own works, and lists of his students and the conductors and players with whom he performed round out this thorough examination of one of the most influential trumpet players and teachers of the twentieth century.
What Others Are Saying
“Reading Last Stop, Carnegie Hall brings tears to my eyes as I remember my experiences with Bill—tears of joy from reading statements of simple wisdom, musical anecdotes, and life lessons. Shook’s work introduces the public to a man who affected the musical shape of many major orchestras around the world.”
Ronald Romm, Professor of Trumpet, University of Illinois; founding member, Canadian Brass

“William Vacchiano, one of the great orchestral trumpet players, a prolific teacher, lovely gentleman, personal mentor, selfless encourager, a man of great wisdom, and a terrific storyteller! I can still hear that “Vacchiano sound” – big, dark, round, and vibrant!”
Philip Smith, Principal Trumpet (retired), New York Philharmonic

“For those of us who knew William Vacchiano, Shook’s biography will bring back many fond memories; for others, it will provide wonderful insights into the life of not only one of the great orchestral trumpet players and pedagogues of the twentieth century, but also a wonderful human being.”
Charles Schlueter, Principal Trumpet (retired), Boston Symphony Orchestra

“Vacchiano’s career as an orchestral artist and teacher is as singular in his devotion to making music as it was in helping others do the same. Brian Shook’s book celebrates and honors Vacchiano’s memory.”
Manny Laureano, Principal Trumpet, Minnesota Orchestra

“William Vacchiano was a legendary trumpeter, devoted teacher, and a truly wonderful man. Brian Shook’s account of Bill’s career is a fascinating look at the life of one of the New York Philharmonic’s most beloved musicians.”
Raymond Mase, American Brass Quintet (retired); Chair of Brass, The Juilliard School

“I read Brian Shook’s book on William Vacchiano with great trepidation, because almost every time I read a published account about someone I have known I always wonder who in the world the writers are talking about. This book is a notable exception, because Shook’s ‘Vacchiano’ represents an accurate portrait of the man I knew.”
Thomas Stevens, Principal Trumpet (retired), Los Angeles Philharmonic

“The book is rich with stories, musical examples, remembrances, and photographs. It represents the most original research to date on Vacchiano.”
Anne Hardin, co-author of Inside John Haynie’s Studio; former editor of the ITG Journal
Hardback book available for purchase from:
Amazon
University of North Texas Press
Texas A&M
Barnes & Noble
Dillon Music

E-book available for purchase from:
Barnes & Noble Nook
Google Books
Kobo Books

*You can purchase an autographed book directly from the author (via email) for $25 (includes S&H for orders in the USA).

Hardcover ISBN-10: 1574413066 Hardcover ISBN-13: 9781574413069
Physical Description: 6x9. 224 pp. 38 b&w photos. 32 music examples. Notes. Bib. Index.
Publication Date: April 2011
About the Author:
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BRIAN SHOOK is associate professor of music (trumpet) at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. From 2004 to 2009, Shook toured the United States with The King’s Brass and since 2009 has been principal trumpet of the Symphony of Southeast Texas. Originally from Ohio, Shook received his Bachelor of Music degree from Cedarville University. He continued his studies as a trumpet teaching assistant at Arizona State University, completing a Master of Music degree in 2003 and Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 2006. He lives in Beaumont, Texas.

WYNTON MARSALIS, who wrote the Foreword, is a legendary trumpet player from New Orleans.