Dear Prospective Student,

My name is Rick Leister. I am a professional trumpet player in the Chicago area and also teach trumpet at Illinois Wesleyan University. As a member of the Adjunct Faculty, I would like to thank you for your interest in the Illinois Wesleyan.

I feel there are many opportunities available to you in our music program. We have some fine student ensembles that perform challenging works and we have a very dedicated faculty. Since Illinois Wesleyan  is not one of those giant music schools, you will receive a lot of attention from faculty and students as well. It is a very positive learning environment.

Our alumni hold positions in school systems across the country and many others are earning a good living as professional musicians. Alumni of our school include:

Wayne Messmer, lecturer, motivational speaker, has performed as singer for many Chicago Sports Organizations, including the Chicago Wolves, Blackhawks, the Bulls, Cubs, and often performs at charitable and civic events.
Ron Bedal, keyboard/sax player and leader of one of Chicago's top society orchestras.
Amy McCabe is now performing with the National Touring Company of "Blast".
Dawn Upshaw of the Metropolitan Opera and Grammy Award winner.
Dennis Bubert is bass trombonist with Ft. Worth Symphony and teaches at North Texas and University of Texas at Arlington.
Armando Ghittala former principal trumpet with the Boston Symphony

Rather than copy my resume, let me just say that I have earned my living as a professional trumpet player since joining the 81st Army Band in 1975. For the past 15 years, I have been one of the top call musical theater trumpet players in Chicago. As a player, I feel that I am in demand because of my ability to cross musical styles. I play good lead trumpet in a big band / commercial styles and also I have a strong classical background. I love playing piccolo trumpet and perform lots of wedding ceremonies and solo gigs.

To give you an idea of my playing I have attached an MP3 demo of some projects and performances I have compiled over the years.

I hope you choose Illinois Wesleyan and look forward to working with you next year.

1) Abblausen, Gottfried Reiche (Recorded in Rick's Basement)
2) Sonata in D, Torelli, Movements 1,2,4
3) Variations for C Trumpet, Ron Ruvio, C trumpet - cadenza / lyric playing
4) Mandy's P., Ron Ruvio G trumpet - lyric
5) Ernie's Tune, Ron Ruvio, Bb trumpet - upper register playing