Trumpeter’s Personality

Randy Grabowski is an active, versatile trumpeter who has created a satisfying life of performing, teaching, and learning, and has taken his love of performing to venues across the United States, Europe, Canada, and South America. He has been principal trumpet of the Waterloo/Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids Symphony Orchestras, and he has performed with the Chestnut Brass Company and the Britt, Spoleto, Bear Lake, Great Music West, and Five Seasons Music Festivals. In addition, he has performed with the Indianapolis Symphony and Indiana University Faculty Brass Quintet and has presented Masterclasses in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Hungary.

Dr. Grabowski is Emeritus Professor of Trumpet at the University of Northern Iowa School of Music where he collaborated with colleagues in exciting music adventures for 39 years and endeavored to inspire new generations of inquiring musicians. He continues to be an energetic performer and has been involved in recording several commercials and compact discs. He has performed with recording artists Ray Charles, the Manhattan Transfer, Aretha Franklin, Moody Blues, Mannheim Steamroller, and the Jimmy Dorsey, Nelson Riddle, Harry James, and Benny Goodman orchestras. Prior to settling in Iowa, Dr. Grabowski also performed with numerous television and recording artists such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dionne Warwick, Shirley MacLaine, and Sammy Davis Jr. In addition, he was Principal Trumpet of the Reno Philharmonic, MGM-Grand and Reno Hilton orchestras, was a member of the Great Basin Brass Quintet, and performed with a potpourri of musical organizations.

Grabowski received his BME and DM degrees from Indiana University, and his MM degree from the University of Nevada-Reno. Currently living in Star, ID, he fancies spending time with his wife Karen, gigging, gardening, walking, cooking, reading, and learning.