"……Rick Henly, whose trumpet has an unusually sweet
and singing tone." --John Wilson, NY Times

Rick was Lead Trumpet on a dozen Broadway shows, including the long-running hit, MISS SAIGON and has over 20 years experience playing Lead Trumpet on Broadway shows. He graduated from Ithaca College and earned a Masters Degree from Northwestern University. Following school, Rick auditioned and was appointed Principal Trumpet of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, a position that included a scholarship to study with the great Adolph Herseth of the Chicago Symphony. This was followed by a Fellowship to study for two summers at the prestigious Tanglewood Music Center.

His early career included performances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Lyric Opera of Chicago. He also played on several recordings with the Chicago Symphony. While in Chicago, Rick was also on the faculties of The American Conservatory of Music, Elmhurst College and the Preparatory Department at Northwestern University.

Called one day to fill in for an ailing lead trumpeter, Rick went to the theater to play for Meredith Willson's THE MUSIC MAN, starring Dick Van Dyke. For that production, Conductor Milton Rosenstock wrote a brilliant trumpet cadenza (based on the MINUET IN G) to end the show. Conductor Rosenstock was so impressed with Rick's rendition of the trumpet solo, that he insisted Rick come to New York and open the show on Broadway the following week.

Since MISS SAIGON, Rick has performed the on-stage 'Harry James' solo in FOSSE and substituted as Lead Trumpet on THE PRODUCERS, CABARET, THE MUSIC MAN, FOLLIES, THOU SHALT NOT, 42nd STREET, and the RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL ORCHESTRA. Rick continues to give solo demonstrations and clinics all around the country.

P.S. They are ALL my "favorite!"

What Orchestral experience have you had?

As a young professional, I played one summer in the Colorado Philharmonic and two summers in the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra (it was called the Berkshire Music Center at that time).

As Principal Trumpet in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, I was called frequently to play with the Chicago Symphony as an extra player or substitute.

Stage trumpeter with the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

In New York, I've played with the American Symphony, Brooklyn Philharmonic, Little Orchestra Society, Dance Theatre of Harlem and New York Pops.

What session (Jingles / TV) experience have you had?

Numerous jingles and film dates.

Broadway cast albums.

3 recordings with Chicago Symphony: Mahler 2nd with Claudio Abbado

Mahler 2nd with Sir George Solti

Verdi Requiem with Sir George Solti

One of the most enjoyable experiences I've ever had playing the trumpet was in a brass quintet in Chicago. John Cvejanovich was the other trumpet, Audrey Morrison on trombone, Roger Rocco on tuba, and Beverly Manasse on horn. We all loved playing together and rehearsed regularly for years.


Other playing experiences?

Lead Trumpet with Charli Persip's SUPERSOUND (going on 14 years.......I should probably include Charli as one of my teachers, too!)

Not funny, but......
While touring with Liza Minnelli, in Montevideo, Uruguay, the airline called to say our flight was leaving in an hour (much earlier than planned). The airport was being closed so that Fidel Castro could land. The airport was filled with soldiers with guard dogs and machine guns. When we walked onto the tarmac, I could see sharpshooters from several points on the roof.

This was years before 9-11...........I was amazed at the need for this kind of security.

Any news on new projects?

In March, 2003 I will be performing the US premiere of "Ballade for Trumpet" by Steve Margoshes with the Ridgewood Symphony.

New CD project currently in the works.

Any funny / interesting stories about other famous trumpet players?

I stubbed my toe on a rather heavy box in Mr. Vacchiano's basement, near the furnace. The box was about a foot deep and filled to the brim with mouthpieces. When I asked, "What's this?" he replied, "Duds!"

Favourite four albums?

Clifford Brown with Strings

Al Hirt, HORN A PLENTY, RCA (Billy May, arranger; Conrad Gozzo, Lead Trpt.)

FUNNY GIRL (Original Broadway Cast), RCA (Dick Perry, Doc Severinsen, trpts; Dick Perry and Barbara Streisand on "Cornet Man")

Prokofiev, LT. KIJE, and Stravinsky, SONG OF THE NIGHTINGALE: Chicago Symphony, RCA (Fritz Reiner, conductor)

Favourite two movies?

It's a Wonderful Life

Wizard of OZ

A Few Good Men



Favourite three foods?

Pot roast, roast turkey, pizza (hey......I live near Big Jim's!)

Non-musical hobbies / points of interest you enjoy?

My family, golf.


Do you take days off from playing? (How does it affect you?)

When I was twelve years old, my family took a 3 week driving vacation thru the US (remember, "See the USA in your Chevrolet"?) My father said there was no room in the car for my trumpet. That's the longest time I've ever gone without playing. I'll usually play a little bit every day, even if it's a "day off."


Any chop problems / solutions you've personally had you can share?


I've found that 99% of the time, a "chop" problem doesn't really involve the chops. Get a good night's sleep, stand up straight, breathe down low and "chop" problems usually disappear.


Three Trumpet tips you wish to share with the readers.

Be healthy: eat well, sleep well and exercise.

Always practice with a goal - don't mindlessly repeat the same exercises. Change practice routine frequently to keep a fresh approach.

Rest as much as you play. Sounds simple......it is........and it works.

End of interview sentiment.

Always try to say something when you play. I've found that if the musical intent is strong enough, "technical" difficulties will melt away.

Thanks, Roddy, for asking me to contribute. I admire you for undertaking this valuable project. You have my best wishes for it's continued success.