This year's International Trumpet Guild Conference was a great opportunity for us to show the trumpet world what we have been up to lately. The hits of the show were without a doubt the new PRANA mouthpieces. With many of the show performers using Monette instruments and mouthpieces, it was easy for players to not only try out PRANA mouthpieces, but also hear them on stage!

We also debuted two prototype PRANA instruments! You may have already heard about PRANA instruments, but now it is official! Wynton Marsalis is using the first PRANA B993 and we built the prototype PRANA AJNA II B-flat trumpet for Monette Director of Operations, Tom Raney. The first PRANA STC-1 C trumpet is being used by Andrew Balio with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

Monette trumpet models built in the PRANA configuration are faster responding, more colorful and as Chris Gekker commented, "have more ingredients in the sound." For more details on the PRANA instruments, click here.

Dave with Albany Symphony Principal Trumpet, Eric Berlin. Eric is also the trumpet professor at the University of Massachusetts.

Eric played up to his usual very high standard with his FLUMPET and Monette C trumpet during a recital where he premiered Howard Buss’ Skylines. The way his sound filled the room was absolutely INCREDIBLE.

Okay, here's the deal. If you haven't seen the Count Basie Orchestra live, you need to do yourself a favor and check them out soon! Visit Scotty Barnhart's web page and see if they are coming to your town. Treat yourself to some of the most amazing big band music every played.

Scotty Barnhart is pictured here with Monette's Tom Raney, Mike Thompson and Calvin Price.

Occasionally when we are out on the road we come across a player that has an exceptional amount of talent and enthusiasm for the trumpet. Gabor Komlossy was one such player at the ITG conference. He traveled all the way from Budapest, Hungary to compete at this year's solo competition and did very well.

Competition aside, Gabor demonstrated a command of the instrument that was thoroughly inspirational - it reminded us why we build instruments. Keep it up Gabor!

Dave Monette is pictured here working with Monette client Jim Thaxter. Jim just received his new 2000LT C trumpet - now he has a matched set of B-flat and C 2000LT's!

If you are looking to put a few names to a few faces, Rayburn Music's head of the brass department Lee Walkowich (left) is pictured here with Thompson Music's Mike Thompson.

Both these guys are authorized Monette mouthpiece dealers. So if you need any help selecting the right Monette mouthpiece, give them a call. Lee can be reached at Rayburn Music in Boston at 617-266-4727. Mike can be reached in Omaha, Nebraska at 402-573-1339.

Mike and Dave chat with a visitor at our display. PRANA mouthpieces were a big hit at the show with Dave describing the technology in person with each interested client.

On display was the decorated FLUMPET that belonged to the late, great jazz legend Art Farmer. The original FLUMPET was designed for Mr. Farmer back in 1990 to compliment his lyrical style. Since the first instrument was built thirteen years ago, the FLUMPET has become very popular for musicians looking for a wide dynamic range and a limitless palette of musical colors to work with. The FLUMPET will always be the shop favorite!

Steve Tripolino and Mike Thompson help clients with the process of selecting the most appropriate model Monette trumpet for their needs. Once a player finds a shop model that they like and decides to place an order, we will then build them a custom fit version of that model. We guarantee the fit of ALL Monette instruments and provide a lifetime warranty.