RobertSlotte

Have any of the trumpetplayers on this forum ever met Mr. Rafael Mèndez in person? And if so: what was he like?
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Robert

Gary Garcia

Goodmorning, when I was a teenager, I met him when I tried out and won a spot in a western states all star band.He seemed to be a soft spoken,gentle man with a hispanic accent.What I really remember is the way he played the trumpet.He also gave me his autograph on the program from the concert.----Gary

Bloomin Untidy Musician

Check out the videos on you tube. They inlude excerpts of him playing and interviews.

oldlou

As a teenager at the National Music Camp at Interlochen, Mi. I met him every day for two 2 week sessions. He was a bit difficult to understand because of his strong Hispanic accent and his VERY soft voice. As a teacher he was exceptional. As a conductor, very precise. As an example of all that a man, father, husband, teacher,and musician could possibly be, he was the epitomy.


OLDLOU>>

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MaynardTrumpet

Wow you guys met Mendez? How lucky. Do you have any pictures of him or maybe his autograph? I for one think he's one of the most powerful virtuosos to live, and still can't be matched today by most trumpeters.

Dave Mickley

any body that knows him or has read about him would realize how much work he put into perfecting each piece he played. the songs he made look so easy he had actually practiced hours, sometimes days on getting right. Dave

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mrmusicnotes

I read somewhere the other day that his students wouldn"t get to touch a trumpet for two months.The first month would be spent buzzing the lips,and the second month would be buzzing the mouthpiece.

trmptr

I was never lucky enough to meet him, but I did spend an afternoon in his home in Encino, CA, met his wife, and spent time with both his twin sons. They are great, generous people. My mother met Mendez at the South Dakota high school all state band. She was recognized for being a 4-yr allstater and Mendez was the soloist. She was called upfront to the stage and Rafael kissed her hand. It was a story that she loved to tell and one of the most inspiring moments of her musical career! He was always a perfect gentleman, a practice-aholic and a generous human being.

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Del Lyren
Professor of Trumpet
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Happy Canuck

I'm very proud of the fact that I met him in 1964 when he was on tour and stopped in Regina, Saskatchewan Canada. In the afternoon he presented a 'masters class' for band members from all over the province who were attending his concert later that day. That evening he played his concert to a packed house. After the class I went to have him autograph some of his music that we played and he was more than pleased to talk and spend time with high school musicians. He as a gentleman, very friendly and a fantastic player! I am proud to say I now play an Olds Mendez trumpet!

This is one of the pieces I asked him to sign

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Walter

[quote=Happy Canuck;382369]I'm very proud of the fact that I met him in 1964 when he was on tour and stopped in Regina, Saskatchewan Canada. In the afternoon he presented a 'masters class' for band members from all over the province who were attending his concert later that day. That evening he played his concert to a packed house. After the class I went to have him autograph some of his music that we played and he was more than pleased to talk and spend time with high school musicians. He as a gentleman, very friendly and a fantastic player! I am proud to say I now play an Olds Mendez trumpet!

I had the privilege to hear and meet Rafael Mendez on two occasions in Saskatoon. 1964 was his fourth consecutive visit to the city. I was young and it was his visits that inspired me to play the trumpet.....somehow in the travels of time my autographs are lost..... No doubt he inspired many....he seemed a " true" gentleman. I still remember the shivers up and down my spine when he played.....in the master classes he always demonstrated his powerful "circular breathing".

I have a wonderful Olds recording...afraid that is as close as it gets for horns ...

Walter