Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music Hosts Fifth Annual Trumpet Day

The Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music (CMPR) held its fifth annual Trumpet Day on February 25, 2026, bringing together more than 85 trumpet players from across the country for a full day of masterclasses, performances, and community engagement.

This year’s event featured guest artists Adrian Griffin, Yamaha Artist and Principal Trumpet of the Monterey Symphony Orchestra, and David Pastor, international jazz soloist and Schagerl Artist.

The event opened with a group warm-up session led by Dr. Nitai Pons, trumpet professor at CMPR and Yamaha Artist. The morning continued with a masterclass by Griffin, who worked with members of the CMPR Trumpet Studio and shared his technical and musical approaches to trumpet performance and pedagogy.

During the afternoon session, Pastor led a jazz-focused masterclass featuring students from the CMPR Jazz Trumpet Studio. Pastor highlighted harmonic concepts, stylistic techniques for improvisation, and the importance of versatility for today’s professional musicians.

The day concluded with a Closing Concert showcasing Griffin’s performance of the second movement of Joseph Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto, accompanied by pianist Ernesto Busigó. Pastor then performed alongside the CMPR Jazz Combo, presenting works including 1954, The Soulful Mr. Timmons, and Nutville, with special appearances by jazz soloists and Harrelson Trumpets Artist Pete Rodríguez. Additional highlights included a performance of David Hickman’s arrangement of Bugler’s Holiday for twelve trumpets performed by an ensemble of trumpet teachers and conducted by Rafael Lebron, professor of jazz trumpet at CMPR, followed by a mass trumpet ensemble rendition of John Williams’ Raiders March.

Throughout the day, participants had the opportunity to test and buy instruments and accessories provided by partner store R. Zayas Music. The event was made possible by the generous contribution from Yamaha Latin America, Micheo Music, and Erasmus+. The Conservatory’s 2026 Trumpet Day once again delivered a vibrant and inspiring celebration of music-making, learning, and community for Puerto Rico’s trumpet players and educators. (Source: Nitai Pons)

Mass Trumpet Ensemble with guest artists Adrian Griffin, David Pastor and Nitai Pons

Adrian Griffin's Masterclass

David Pastor and CMPR Combo

Pete Rodriguez and David Pastor

Trumpet Teachers Ensemble conducted by Rafael Lebrón