Welcome MARISSA BENEDICT

Welcome MARISSA BENEDICT, Assistant Professor of Trumpet

Marissa Benedict, assistant professor of trumpet

Lisa Miller

Marissa Benedict has joined the School of Music faculty from California, where she was on the faculty at California State University-San Bernardino and instructed at the University of Southern California.

WHO HAS SERVED AS A MENTOR FOR YOU IN YOUR CAREER?

At different stages of my education and performance career there have been and still are mentors in my life. The one that stands out most is Boyde Hood, my trumpet professor at the University of Southern California. Boyde was so helpful in the growth of my playing and maturity while I was in school. We have remained friends (and colleagues) over the past 39 years, and when I just need to talk or say hello or ask advice, he is always there. His quote whenever our conversation is done: “If there is anything I can do for you, just let me know.”

WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOUR BIGGEST SETBACK?

In 1997, I was in a car accident that left me unable to play for about six months. I had three kids under the age of seven, my husband was working, and I couldn’t play or move too much. I had to learn the patience of not trying to rush things. Boyde Hood called and said “if it hurts, don’t play.” That rang in my head until I was able to play without pain.

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU WILL HANG IN YOUR NEW OFFICE?

David Baldwin was gracious enough to leave me a large picture of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue as you walk in to the studio. I will add a few new pictures, including one of me with my high school band director Gordon Lowe, my private jazz teacher John Copolla, and my private classical teacher Joe Alessi Sr., who attended my high school graduation party to wish me luck—something I will never forget.