Indianapolis Trumpet Retires After 43 Years
The Indianapolis Symphony has always been a long-standing staple of Midwestern orchestras. Formed in 1930, the orchestra became a salaried ensemble in 1937. Since 1975, Marvin “Chappy” Perry has been an integral part of this orchestra’s trumpet section. From 1975-2013, Perry held the Principal chair and then moved to Assistant Principal/Utility Trumpet until his final season in 2018.
An Alabama native, Perry joined the ISO after spending three years with the U.S. Army Band and two years with the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (now Alabama Symphony). A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and the University of Montevallo, Perry has taught at multiple academic institutions including Indiana University Butler University, DePauw University, and Grace College. In the summers, Perry is a member of the trumpet faculty at the Masterworks Festival. Now that he has retired, Perry plans to stay in Indianapolis. Most likely, you will find him getting in a lot more rides on his motorcycle.
Personal Note: I was fortunate to play in quintets with Mr. Perry while I was a student at Grace College and the MasterWorks Festival. He is a delight to be around and pushes you past your potential as a musician and person.
