Bill Denton, Trumpet

Principal

Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Joined Lyric Orchestra in 2013

Education: BM-Wichita State, MM-Arizona State, DMA-University of South Carolina

• What is your most memorable Lyric performance or experience?

Towards the end of the 2013/14 season we performed Dvorak’s Rusalka.  In the first act, Rusalka, played by Anna Maria Martinez, sings the Song to the Moon.  The first trumpet part joins Rusalka in unison during the second half of the song.  There are two verses, so this happens twice.  I vividly remember thinking what an extraordinary experience this is to accompany such an incredibly beautiful voice, and to share the melody with her.  

• What is your favorite opera to perform?

So far, I think I have enjoyed Porgy and Bess the most.  Gershwin does a good job keeping the trumpet section busy with interesting things to play.  I have some experience in the jazz idiom, so it was fun to use that skill.  It’s not often that we get to “Swing” in the pit.

• Outside of the pit:

I like to study and practice painting.  Right now I am trying to develop my skills as a water-colorist.  I’ve only been at it for a couple of years, but I find it very fun and relaxing.  I also enjoy hiking, reading, and traveling.

• One of my favorite quotes:

In the movie The Edge starring Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin, our two main characters find themselves being hunted by a grizzly bear.  Baldwin is incredulous when Hopkins suggests they kill the bear.  Hopkins then inspires Baldwin by repeatedly chanting “What one man can do, another can do.  Kill the bear.”  I remember this when setting goals for myself, or when students seems unsure of themselves.  It was also a great dramatic moment in the film.