Episode #142 Chris LaBarbera

Episode #142 Chris LaBarbera

Author: Bob Reeves Brass Mouthpieces October 8, 2025 Duration: 1:11:30

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet performer and instructor Chris LaBarbera, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass.

This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

"Chris LaBarbera trumpet interview"

 

About Chris LaBarbera:

Christopher LaBarbera began playing trumpet in middle school in 1974, and by the age of 14 was already sitting in on local jam sessions and gigs. By his early twenties he had become an in-demand freelancer, performing with artists such as Wayne Newton, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra Jr., and many others.

Chris studied with the legendary Donald S. "Doc" Reinhardt, whose "Pivot System" remains one of the most influential and detailed approaches to brass playing ever developed. Building on that legacy, Chris has taught the Reinhardt system for many years, helping countless students unlock their potential by tailoring embouchure, breathing, and playing mechanics to each individual.

Today, Chris is recognized not only for his wide-ranging performance career but also as a dedicated teacher and mentor, carrying forward Reinhardt's principles while making them accessible and practical for modern players.

 

Episode Links:

 

Upcoming Events:

 

Podcast Credits:

  • "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear
  • Podcast Host - John Snell
  • Cover Photo Credit - Chris LaBarbera
  • Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

There's a whole world of sound that happens before the music reaches the audience, a space filled with the clatter of valves, the whisper of breath, and the shared stories of a unique community. The Other Side Of The Bell-A Trumpet Podcast invites you into that world, offering a backstage pass to the realities of brass life. Hosted by the team at Bob Reeves Brass Mouthpieces, this series goes far beyond simple gear talk. Each episode feels like a conversation in the practice room, blending practical trumpet tips that address the daily hurdles players face with deep-dive interviews featuring the musicians themselves. You'll hear firsthand stories about the craft, the unexpected challenges of performance, and the personal journeys that shape an artist's sound. This podcast is built on decades of specialized knowledge, translating the nuanced experiences of embouchure, articulation, and endurance into accessible insights. Whether you're a student navigating your first orchestral audition or a seasoned professional refining your approach, the discussions here are grounded in real-world application. It’s about the person behind the instrument as much as the instrument itself, creating a genuine resource for anyone passionate about the trumpet. Tune in for a blend of technical wisdom and personal narrative that only comes from a lifetime spent listening from the other side of the bell.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Other Side Of The Bell - A Trumpet Podcast
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