Kendall Campus

Brian NealTrumpet Virtuoso, Educator, and Musical Visionary

Brian Neal, a distinguished trumpet virtuoso, has graced the world with his remarkable talent and warm, singing tone. With a career spanning decades, he has established himself as a multifaceted musician, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

A Journey of Musical Excellence Brian Neal's musical journey has been a captivating one, taking him across continents and through a diverse range of musical experiences. From serving as the Principal Trumpet with the Miami City Ballet Orchestra to holding the prestigious position of Premiere Trumpet with the acclaimed Dallas Brass, Brian has consistently demonstrated his exceptional artistry. His trumpet's melodies have resonated in grand concert halls from Los Angeles to New York and in school gymnasiums from Miami to Utqiaġvik, Alaska, touching hearts and inspiring audiences wherever he plays.

The Dallas Brass and Beyond Currently in his 14th season as a member of the internationally renowned Dallas Brass, Brian Neal has shared his musical prowess with symphony orchestras nationwide. His symphonic credits include performances with the Utah Symphony under the baton of Keith Lockhart and the Florida Philharmonic conducted by Peter Nero. Beyond symphonic engagements, Brian maintains a busy schedule with over 40 solo performances annually, captivating audiences with his virtuosic trumpet solos. Brian Neal's dedication extends to nurturing the next generation of musicians. His collaboration with the Dallas Brass has led him to work closely with hundreds of school band programs, providing invaluable clinics and performances to young musicians nationwide.

A Versatile Soloist As a consummate soloist, Brian has graced the stages of renowned ensembles and orchestras. His performances include collaborations with the California Symphony, Monterey Ensemble, Florida Philharmonic, Orchestra Miami, Miami Wind Symphony, Leganés Orchestra in Spain, and a recent rendition of the Haydn Trumpet Concerto with the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra. Brian's talents have even taken him to Carnegie Hall, where he performed his own composition, "Concertante #1," and to Spain, where he collaborated with the Escuela-Conservatorio Orquesta, Manuel Rodriquez Sales de Leganés.

Global Collaborations Brian Neal's global presence extends to collaborations with musicians from around the world. He recently joined forces with Ensamble 7/4 at the International Trumpet Guild conference in Miami, Florida, showcasing his artistry on an international stage. In 2022, Brian received the Southeast Regional Emmy for his exceptional performance and composition in a multi-national collaboration spanning four countries, presented online.

Diverse Artistic Engagements Brian Neal's artistic journey is as diverse as it is impressive. He is an active member and soloist with the Sitka Brass, an ensemble composed of brass players from major orchestras across the United States.

Training and Mentorship Brian Neal honed his craft at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music in New York City and the University of Miami. During his summers, he further enriched his musical education as a fellow at renowned festivals such as Tanglewood, Waterloo, Fountainbleau Conservatory in France, and Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, where he had the privilege of performing with the Meridian Arts Ensemble. Throughout his career, Brian has had the privilege of working with esteemed conductors such as Charles Dutoit, Yoel Levi, John Nelson, Seiji Ozawa, Simon Rattle, Stanislav Skorbachevsky, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Leon Fleischer.

A Visionary Educator and Innovator Brian Neal's influence transcends his performances. He has founded and directed Brass Miami, a prominent presence in the Miami Bach Society's Tropical Baroque Festival for five consecutive years. He initiated the Miami Dade College Honors Festival, an annual recruiting event for the college, which invites 300 of the most talented music students from Miami Dade County for a three-day musical extravaganza culminating in a final concert. Brian's solo recording "Reflections" was featured on NPR's Pipe Dreams, and his solo artistry is showcased on numerous Dallas Brass recordings. He was also a featured soloist on Alejandro Sanz's album "La Música No Se Toca," which received a Latin Grammy.

Educator For over two decades, Brian Neal has served as the director of the brass ensemble at the Sitka Fine Arts Camp in Sitka, Alaska, enriching the lives of aspiring young musicians. Additionally, for the past 14 years, he has held the position of Professor of Trumpet at the Kendall campus of Miami Dade College, one of the largest and most diverse institutions in the United States.

Brian Neal's life is a symphony of dedication, talent, and innovation, and his contributions to the world of music continue to inspire and shape the future of the art form. With his trumpet as his voice, he has left an indelible mark on the hearts of music enthusiasts around the globe.