Roger Lewis
Brings to BCC more than 32 years of experience as a professional performing musician. He is among the most successful freelance trumpet players in the Midwest, having performed in bands and orchestras backing many well-known artists including Dizzy Gillespie, Vic Damone, Mel Tormé, Ray Charles, The Manhattan Transfer, Michelle LeGrand, Elmer Bernstein, Russell Garcia and The Bahá’í Peace Orchestra. Lewis’ trumpet style has also been a driving force behind the swinging sounds of the renowned Wichita Jazz Orchestra. Since that band’s inception several years ago, he has played lead trumpet and been periodically featured as a soloist at the annual Wichita Jazz Festival. Working in practically every stylistic area of the commercial music industry, he maintains an active schedule of live performances and occasional recording-studio dates. For several years, Lewis played first trumpet and contracted for the nationally prestigious Music Theatre of Wichita Orchestra. In recent years, he played more than 250 performances with that orchestra which is heard by nearly 70,000 people each summer season. Lewis can be heard on the recent release of a collector’s compact disc, "Then and Now," by The Fabulous Flippers which includes recordings of the popular rhythm and blues show band from the 1960s as well as the present. This past summer Lewis worked as first trumpet in the production show orchestra aboard the cruise ship Crystal Symphony, a six star mega-liner sailing to ports in 10 countries throughout Europe. With a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Wichita State University, Lewis continually strives to gain new insights into teaching and performing through consultation and coaching from many of the nation’s most highly respected recording musicians and music educators. Membership in the BCC Concert Band is conditioned primarily on instrumentation needs. Therefore, effort is made to recruit as many interested players as possible while maintaining a balanced ensemble. In addition, all musicians must meet certain proficiency requirements set forth by the director. The band performs in a variety of settings ranging from departmental concerts to sporting events. Development of musicianship and concepts of ensemble playing and decorum are the highest priorities regardless of the musical style or type of performance. BCC has two ensembles in which emphasis is placed upon learning stylistic concepts in all facets of the jazz and commercial studies idiom and upon development of improvisational skills. The ensembles also devote time to the study of recordings and live performances by professionals. Students are continually encouraged to develop professionalism in their attitudes and to conform to the highest musical standards. The formation of instrumental combos among students is encouraged. These groups play a variety of music from jazz to popular commercial styles. Contact Roger Lewis at 322-3117or 733-3117 for more information.