Trumpet with Sam M.

A native of West Hartford, CT, Sam Merrill is a 2014 graduate of William H. Hall High School. During his time at Hall, he was a part of the school’s esteemed jazz program, where he played lead trumpet in John Mastroianni’s Concert Jazz Band. Hall’s show, “Pops ‘n Jazz” allowed Sam to work with musicians like trumpeters Tony Kadleck, Michael Mossman, Scott Wendholt, and Jeff Holmes, saxophonist Joel Frahm, pianist Joyce DiCamillo, and many others. Throughout middle and high school, Sam studied privately with Nancy Brown, a renowned trumpeter in the tristate area who helped Sam build a strong foundation on the instrument. Upon graduating high school, Sam moved to Danbury, CT, where he pursued and obtained a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies at Western Connecticut State University. At WCSU, he studies privately with Dave Scott, and Jumaane Smith (lead trumpet player for Michael Bublé and Harry Connick, Jr.). He also held an eight-semester tenure of the lead trumpet chair in the school’s esteemed Jazz Orchestra under the direction of GRAMMY nominated jazz saxophonist Jimmy Greene, and guitarist Jamie Begian; both unbelievable talents and inspirations. Thanks to WCSU’s annual Jazz Festival, Sam has been fortunate enough to share the stage with the likes of pianist Kenny Barron, tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano, and most recently, vibraphonist Stefon Harris. Over the years, Sam was also fortunate enough to build a relationship with Los Angeles studio legend Wayne Bergeron, who has helped further develop his abilities on the trumpet. A May 2018 graduate of WCSU, Sam just touched down in Nashville, TN, hoping to continue a career as a trumpeter, teacher, composer, and arranger. Visit me online at SWMerrillMusic.com! I look forward to working with you.