Wheeling Fire History Tribute: "the Rescue Mission" + J.S. Bach (PSO Brass)

This holy spiritual J.S. Bach helped me create a scene that is a unique look at the Wheeling, WV Fire Department. Something people who listen to Bach might normally miss.

Pittsburgh Symphony Brass featuring the trumpet artists: George Vosburgh and Neal Berntsen.

Grammy Award Winner, "Best New Classical Artist", George Vosburgh is former 2nd chair Chicago Symphony Orchestra 12 or 13 seasons with Bud Herseth and the CSO Trumpet section. Neal did Chicago Lyric Opera, extra trumpet player with CSO and Asbury Brass Quintet. George then won the Principal job in Pittsburgh. Finals were him and Tim Morrison from Boston. Tim is the Hollywood trumpet player now I believe with John Williams featured on Amistad, JFK, Born of the Fourth of July, The Patriot, Jurassic Park, Deep Impact and Summon the Heroes for the 1996 Olympic games. George beat him for the Pittsburgh job because George is the most technically proficient and lyrical orchestra trumpet player to ever live, next to Bud Herseth or Neal Berntsen or Chad Winkler. I do not know the PSO Principal now but I'm sure if George was on the board for that job and I know he would have been involved in some way, then he's probably stellar too.

When I was at Duquesne Marry Pappert School of Music in 1998-2001 I wasn't sure i wanted to really do that job. Neal and George taught me other lessons besides how to master the horn so I could be a symphony player. George taught me that being a leader is important but if you're going to be a good leader you have to know what you're doing 110% of the time and think about everything logically to perform and function. Plus his character is outstanding and his humor is great. Classical trumpet playing and studying is very difficult at this collegiate and professional level. George made us laugh so we weren't so scared of him and this whole trumpet world. It was nice for him to do for college kids. He knew the entire Trumpet studio thought he was a Trumpet demi-god lol.

Neal one day took me to his personal home in the Pittsburgh Hills and let me hang out and ordered me pizza. I was having a stressful time and not doing well. On lesson day we had normal lesson and then he said grab your stuff you're coming with me. And we just hung out and he talked to me like a normal person. It was nice. I'll never forget his kindness.

Chad is someone I look up to very much. His morals are of the highest caliber, his ethics and faith are crystal clear and his mission is simple, produce the best quality classical trumpet possible. He's a great musician and always has been. A WV boy who made it to big city lights to be one of the best trumpet players in the world orchestrally. Say hi to Jordan and Dr. W for me buddy. I still make video like Jordan I did, but now I'm trying to make a living at it and it's more fun to be creative. The Winkler family is NOT afraid to put their faith in Jesus Christ on hold for other things in their lives, they know and value the importance of time with God and the Trinity. I have tapped into this principle very deeply in my life recently. It was founded in the faith filled lessons I was taught by Mrs. and Dr W at their Morgantown home when I was a boy and childhood friend of Chad and Jordan. Today I value my Christian faith and although it may be more liberal than Chad's, I know we'll meet one day in another way that won't stop us from experiencing eternal joy, love and peace with God. Chad isn't afraid to not say that publicly and he does when asked directly. And he's every bit of a good player as Neal or George. Because he's worked his @$$ off to be there! Proud of my Mountaineer brother!