The following selections weren't posted on my main media page for various reasons. Some are amateur college recordings, others have poor audio quality, and a few lack clear highlights of "me." Despite these imperfections, each holds personal significance. Whatever brought you to this part of my website, I hope you enjoy them!
Be sure to use good speakers or headphones for the best experience.
Festive Overture, Principal Trumpet, US Naval Academy Band
Although originally written for orchestra, this might be my favorite "band" piece to perform, as the 1st trumpet part perfectly showcases my strengths. This live recording took place at the USNA Main Chapel, which explains the significant reverb. It was also an emotional concert, as it marked the final performance with the concert band for many of my USNA Band colleagues.
Asphalt Cocktail, Principal Trumpet, OSU Wind Symphony
Between my undergraduate and DMA studies, I spent an incredible 8 years in the OSU Wind Symphony, performing hundreds of works. However, none impacted my life quite like this one.
During one rehearsal, I decided to take the last note up an octave. While it earned me plenty of annoyed looks, one flute player who "dug high notes" turned around and noticed the new trumpet GTA for the first time. That moment eventually led to us getting married.
Keystone Celebration, Principal Trumpet, USNAB Brass Ensemble
My first concert as a member of the USNAB was with the Brass Ensemble, and this piece marked my debut playing principal trumpet. It features a nice solo, plenty of double-tonguing passages, and some impressively high notes for a classical piece—likely why I was assigned the part!
On the first day of rehearsals, I was nervous and determined to prove to my new trumpet section colleagues that I was the right hire. After our first run-through, principal trumpet Carl Lindquist simply said, "Ladies and gentlemen, Matt Harriman has arrived."
Mahler Symphony 2, Principal Trumpet, USC Orchestra
Despite being in the second year of my master’s degree, this was the first time I had ever played principal in any orchestra. In fact, when I started my master’s program at USC, I didn’t even own a C trumpet.
At the beginning of my time at USC, I underwent a complete overhaul of my chops. Under Boyde Hood’s guidance, I didn’t play the trumpet in lessons for my entire first semester. Instead, we focused on resolving fundamental issues using his mouthpiece routine, which required immense patience from both of us.
This concert was the culmination of months of painstaking work to completely rewire how I approached playing the trumpet—a truly validating moment.
Russian Christmas Music, Assistant Principal Trumpet, US Naval Academy Band
The brass section we had for this performance could hold its own against any section in the world, whether military or orchestral. Do yourself a favor—when you get to the finale (around 12 minutes in), crank up the volume.
Trumpet Rhapsody, DMA Solo Recital , Ohio State University
While planning the repertoire for my master’s recital, Boyde Hood suggested I play Harry James' Trumpet Rhapsody.Despite the progress I had made as a player during my time at USC, this piece was beyond my ability at the time. One of my most humbling moments was admitting to him in a lesson that it was too difficult for me to play.
Fast forward to my final DMA recital at Ohio State—I opened with this very piece. It’s amazing to see how much progress you can make in just a few years.
Mahler Symphony 1, Mvt 4, 2nd Trumpet, USC Orchestra
I’ve never been more in awe of a trumpet player than when I had the privilege of sitting next to Rob Schaer. Quite simply, Rob is the best all-around trumpet player in the world. Just being beside him for this performance was an education in itself.
Now THE top-call trumpeter in Hollywood, Rob’s playing has been featured in countless films over the past 20 years. Of course, he’d hate that I wrote this and would absolutely make fun of me if he ever saw it.
Star Trek 2009, 1st C trumpet, US Naval Academy Band
One of my all-time favorite arrangements to play, by my good friend Chris Buchanan, now the head arranger for the US Navy Band in Washington, D.C. This performance was recorded live at the USNA Chapel.