His name might not ring a bell, but Allen Vizzutti and his trumpet have been heard on some iconic recordings and movie soundtracks, including “Back to the Future” and “Star Trek.”
He has performed with some of the biggest names in jazz and popular music, including Chick Corea, Chuck Mangione, Prince, Doc Severinsen, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond and the Commodores and was a member of the famed NBC Tonight Show Band, back in the days of Johnny Carson.
Vizzutti will perform with the Tyler Junior College Jazz Ensemble in the annual East Texas Symphony Orchestra Jazz Spectacular set 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at Liberty Hall, located at 103 E. Erwin St., in downtown Tyler.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets are available online at www.etso.org and at the door before the concert.
TJC Jazz Ensemble students and their hometowns are: Daniel Armstrong, Bullard; Paul Arriola, Tyler; Brittney Baxter, Jacksonville; Robin Bibeau, Whitehouse; Darren Castilaw, Lufkin; Michael Craig, Madisonville; Ethan Day, Arp; Bryan De La Rosa, Jacksonville; Joseph Garza, Tatum; Jared Hamilton, Arlington; Corey McCowin, Mesquite; John MaCoy, Canton; Peter Merts, Springtown; Michael Murphy, Springtown; Raul Padilla, Dallas; Keith Williams, Mesquite; and Nick Wilkerson, Van.
“We are supremely honored to have one of the foremost trumpet artists of our time, Allen Vizzutti, working with our students and performing right here in Tyler,” said Heather Mensch, TJC jazz band director.
“It’s always a thrill to have someone of Allen’s caliber to teach and perform with our student groups. Many of our students aspire to be professional musicians, so it’s a phenomenal opportunity for them to have this experience to learn from – and perform with – one of the best in the business.”
In his native Montana, Vizzutti learned from his father, a self-taught musician and trumpet player, until he left home to attend the Eastman School of Music on a full scholarship. There he earned the Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees, a Performer’s Certificate, a chair in the Eastman Brass Quintet faculty ensemble, and the only Artist’s Diploma ever awarded a wind player in Eastman’s history.
Vizzutti’s status as an artist has led to solo performances at the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, Newport Jazz Festival, Montreaux Jazz Festival, the Charles Ives Center and Lincoln Center in New York City.
From his home in Seattle, his current career activities embody an impressive schedule of recitals, concerts, recording and composing. His continued commitment to music education and the value of music in everyday life results in an extensive schedule of guest appearances at universities throughout North America, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.