David Cohen was appointed Principal Trumpet of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra in May of 2010. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Northwestern University, studying with Barbara Butler, Charles Geyer and Christopher Martin. While at Northwestern, he played with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the training orchestra for the Chicago Symphony. He is an alumnus of the Tanglewood Music Center and the National Orchestral Institute. Mr. Cohen has been invited to play with orchestras across the United States, and throughout Europe and Asia.
When did you start playing the trumpet?
Age 12.
Why did you choose your instrument?
I learned about all the instruments in school when I was a little kid -- when I heard the trumpet, it was love at first sound.
Are you from a musical family?
No, not really. My mom played piano when she was little, but not much anymore. My dad always tells the story of getting kicked out of choir in grade school for being tone deaf.
Do you play any other instruments?
No
What makes your instrument special?
Versatility. Looking just at the orchestral literature, the trumpet proclaims loud fanfares in Mahler and Bruckner, sings sweet melodies in Debussy and Sibelius, and sparkles on soaring lines in Bach and Handel.
What advice would you give to kids learning to play your instrument?
Sound is king. When playing the trumpet, it's vital to concentrate on producing the most beautiful sound possible. Technique will come, but in the mean time, try to have fun and sound beautiful while doing it.
Favorite composers: Bach, Strauss, Golijov, Brahms, Shostakovich, Mahler, Mozart…the list goes on…
Most exciting musical moment: Too many to choose from!
Hometown: Evanston, IL
What good book have you read most recently?
I just finished The Innocent by Ian McEwan, a chilling Cold War novel. Currently reading The Human Stain by Philip Roth.
Favorite Tucson restaurant: Not a restaurant per se, but I do spend far too much time (and money) at Raging Sage, a café on Campbell.
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