Alumnus Earns New Role with Canadian Brass

Just seven years after walking across the Kresge stage during the Academy's 2006 commencement ceremony, Caleb Hudson is walking into one of the most coveted positions in the world for a trumpet player – a permanent position with the Canadian Brass.

May 3, 2013

Just seven years after walking across the Kresge stage during the Academy’s 2006 commencement ceremony, Caleb Hudson is walking into one of the most coveted positions in the world for a trumpet player - a permanent position with the Canadian Brass.

“I am overwhelmed with excitement and also humbled by the invitation to be a part of this legendary ensemble,” said Hudson (IAC 03-04, IAA 04-06). “Every young brass musician grows up listening to the Canadian Brass and fantasizing about playing in a group like this. To see this happening in my own life is surreal.”

This career opportunity materialized for Caleb unexpectedly after a call from an old college friend and current member of the Canadian Brass, Chris Coletti. What appeared to be a simple invitation to catch up and play some duets together turned out to be an audition. Soon after, he met with the rest of the quintet, joined them in a rehearsal and then a performance. After his first show with the group, Caleb was asked to become a permanent part of the ensemble.

Founded in 1970 by Chuck Daellenbach and Gene Watts, the Canadian Brass has thrived for four decades, selling more than 2 million albums worldwide and regularly climbing their way to the top of the Billboard Classical Charts. The group has performed around the world and has been seen on television shows from "Sesame Street" to the "Tonight Show." Educating a new generation of musicians has always been an essential element of the Canadian Brass. They regularly lead master classes with students of all ages and are currently artists in residence at the University of Toronto.

For Caleb, the opportunity is more than just a chance to perform; it is an opportunity to inspire. “I hope that I can inspire young musicians in the same way that I was inspired as a young kid. I have to say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support and sacrifice of so many people in my life.”

Originally from Lexington, Kentucky, Caleb began playing trumpet in his school band program at age 10. “From the first moment I heard his audition, I knew he would succeed,” said Ken Larson, instructor of trumpet at Interlochen. “Vince Dimartino, another member of the summer faculty, went on and on about a student who had applied. Even though Vince never mentioned a name, I knew immediately he was talking about Caleb. After attending Camp in 2003 and 2004, Caleb went on to attend the Academy for two years before studying at The Juillard School, earning his bachelor’s degree in 2010 and his master’s in 2012.

In recent years, other trumpet players from the Interlochen trumpet studio have earned numerous successes. In 2010, four Interlochen alumni took home honors at the National Trumpet Competition including first place in the undergraduate and graduate divisions. Trumpet graduates from the Academy regularly earn admission into top music programs including The Juilliard School, Eastman, and the Oberlin Conservatory, among others.