Trumpeter Wiff Rudd is on his way to wintery Durango from Dallas to give the first music recital of the semester at Fort Lewis College.
Performing under the banner of the newly named FLC Department of Performing Arts, Rudd will be part of the ongoing Artist in Residence Program. It was started years ago by a group of FLC enthusiasts to enhance the college’s access to professional musicians.
Tuesday’s recital features an ambitious all-20th-century program for solo trumpet, a duet with Joseph Nibley of the FLC music faculty and student performers from Nibley’s FLC Brass Studio. Rudd’s own composition, “Now and Then,” will be performed by the students with Rudd. He and Nibley will perform Robert Russell’s five-section piece titled “Abstracts No. 2, op. 18.” And to conclude the concert, Rudd will look back to the great Duke Ellington in “Concerto for Cootie,” arranged by Brantley.
Rudd is on the faculty of Baylor University’s School of Music where he has received multiple awards for teaching excellence. He joined the Baylor faculty in 2002 after serving on the faculty at the University of Arkansas and earlier at Oklahoma Baptist University. He holds degrees from Baylor and the University of Northern Colorado.
Touring with the Dallas Brass from 1985-93, Rudd is also a founding member of Rhythm & Brass and continues to play with the Baylor Brass. Currently, he is principal chair for the Waco Symphony. Rudd has published several books in brass pedagogy, including the 2020 publication of “Side by Side.”
If you go
WHAT: Fort lewis College Artist in Residence Recital featuring Wiff Rudd, trumpet and the FLC Brass Studio.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Tuesday.
WHERE: Roshong Recital Hall, FLC, 1000 Rim Drive.
TICKETS: $15 adults, free 18 and younger and FLC students, at the door.
Earlier in the afternoon, Rudd will give a master class for brass students at the college. Ticket prices for A.I.R. recitals have remained at $15 for adults at the door. FLC students and youngsters younger than 18 are free. COVID-19 protocols will be in place, so wear a mask and observe distancing.
Judith Reynolds is an arts journalist and member of the American Theatre Critics Association.
