CRESAP’S TRUMPET CAREER
SOARS SINCE GRADUATION

Andy Cresap hasn’t missed a beat, from the day he stepped onto the Bemidji State campus as an aspiring musician through graduation in 2010; from acceptance into the prestigious University of North Texas graduate program to earning a chair with an award-winning group; or working his trumpet in a classical ensemble to playing in the horn section for two sellout shows headlined by Aretha Franklin.

After arriving at UNT, Cresap became part of the 1 O’Clock Lab Band, which earned Downbeat Magazine Awards last year as the best large jazz ensemble and best college Latin music group.

In September, he backed Franklin as she delighted Texas crowds at Austin City Limits in Austin and the Winspear Opera House in Dallas.  “It was an amazing experience to work with an artist of her caliber,” Cresap said.  “Even at 73, she put on an unbelievable show.”

He started looking for more stage appearances this fall by taking a hiatus from school and exploring the job market in Las Vegas.  He plans to perform with different shows and eventually catch on somewhere permanently.

“I have always focused on being a well-rounded player,” Cresap said when explaining how the beat will continue.  “When I left UNT, I was playing mostly jazz, pop and commercial.  My career goal is to perform mainly commercial and jazz music as a lead trumpet player.”