Dan Duncan and Brass A'Fire
Dan Duncan is a Michigan / Kentucky based trumpet performer / educator / clinician. His ability to span the range of the trumpet (beyond double high c), while maintaining beautiful tone and control – place him in high demand as a soloist, lead trumpet, and session player. He is active in recording studio, live theater pit, jazz orchestra, symphony, community band, clinics, and guest soloist performances.
Dan has worked with many “greats” such as Wayne Newton, Maynard Ferguson, Randy Brecker, The Temptations, The Rat Pack, Ernie Wilkins, Clark Terry, The Stars of Lawrence Welk, Kenny Wheeler, David Berger, (conductor / arranger – Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra), etc. Other ensembles that Dan has performed with include: Nashville Jazz Orchestra, The Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, Truth in Jazz Orchestra, Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, Traverse City Symphony Orchestra, Grand River Big Band, Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, and the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band. He currently conducts the Muhlenberg Community Band.
He is proud to have produced the brass for a Grammy nomination (Best Latin Gospel), featuring a trumpet solo that is shared with Paul Jackson Jr, guitarist: American Idol Television Orchestra. (Listen - Alleluya). Dan performed on Marvin Sapp’s “Here I Am” album, which became the highest ranked Gospel album in the history of the Billboard Top 200. In addition, Dan also performed on Israel Houghton’s groundbreaking albums, “New Season,” and “Live at Lakewood.” He is credited on more than 25 albums – five with Integrity Music, (CCM / Ken Reynolds).
THE DUNCAN METHOD
Following a six-month hiatus – Dan began a fresh start, trusting his instincts. After only three days, he had a solid range from low F# to Double High C – something he had not been able to consistently achieve in more than 20 years of practice! This was the beginning of what Dan terms, his “Approach.” During the next 20 years, he refined this down to a few key elements. Dan has created a number of exercises – soon to be a published method - to help beginners, comeback players, and pros learn these dynamic concepts. (see Endorsements ). Dan’s methodology covers the entire range of trumpet, and all other aspects (tone, endurance, facility, flexibility etc). To learn more, or inquire about lessons / clinics, contact Dan at brassafire@gmail.com or go to www.brassafire.com.