Name: Ralph Whitsitt
Main Instrument: Trumpet
Other Instruments Played: Piano, percussion, a little trombone
Musical Education: B.S in Music Ed. - University of
Illinois - Currently working on
Masters
in Music Education at Illinois State University
Favorite Jazz Artist or Group: The trumpet "gods": Dizzy, Miles, Maynard, Al Vizzutti, Bobby Shew, Doc, Freddie, Wynton, etc.
Favorite Jazz Piece: Vine Street Rumble (NOT!)
What do you like best about the Heartland Jazz Orchestra?
It's been great being a part of a group that loves to
play! There are so few opportunities
to perform big-band jazz; I feel
very fortunate to be here.
Other groups you play in or have played with?
U of I Jazz Band, Marching Illini, UI Symphonic Band,
Decatur Municipal Band, Parkland
Community Band, Bement (IL) Community Band
- Asst. Director
Other interest or hobbies? Cooking (and eating!), Golf, Cycling, Reading
Ralph is a native of Decatur and currently teaches instrumental and vocal music at Lexington H.S.