Episode #133 AdamFest: Celebrating the Legacy of William Adam

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring a live panel discussion on the legacy of William Adam and AdamFest, 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:

"AdamFest 2025 Panel Discussion"

 

About the William Adam Trumpet Festival (AdamFest):

The 11th Annual William Adam International Trumpet Festival will take place June 19–22, 2025, at Austin Peay State University, hosted by Dr. Rob Waugh. This year’s festival brings together a distinguished roster of William Adam’s former students—many of whom are among today’s leading trumpet artists—for four days of inspiration, performance, and pedagogy.

In the spirit of Mr. Adam’s legacy, the festival offers a rich mix of masterclasses, performances, complimentary private and group lessons, and targeted seminars on topics such as jazz improvisation, orchestral playing, trumpet fundamentals, and effective teaching. Special programming is available for younger students and their educators.

William Adam taught trumpet at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music from 1946 to 1988 and continued teaching privately until his passing in 2013. Widely regarded as one of the most influential trumpet pedagogues of the 20th century, his teaching emphasized sound, simplicity, and personal connection. The annual festival ensures his philosophy continues to inspire new generations of trumpet players.

About Our Panelists:

Bobby Burns Jr. is a longtime member of Earth, Wind & Fire and a veteran of the Los Angeles music scene. After studying with the legendary Bill Adam at Indiana University—where he overcame early challenges to earn a degree in trumpet performance—Bobby moved to L.A., balancing day jobs with gigs until establishing a full-time music career. His versatile résumé spans symphonic, studio, and touring work, with credits including The Temptations, Tony Bennett, Dr. Dre, and Broadway productions like Evita and A Chorus Line. Since joining Earth, Wind & Fire in 2004, he has performed on major stages around the world, from the White House to the Grammys. Bobby is also an active educator, passionate about mentoring the next generation of musicians.

Charley Davis is a versatile trumpeter, respected educator, and innovative designer with a career spanning over three decades. A fixture in the Los Angeles studio scene, Charley has performed with legends like Frank Sinatra, Natalie Cole, Buddy Rich, and Placido Domingo, and his credits range from motion pictures and Broadway shows to big bands and Las Vegas stages. He currently teaches at Cal State Long Beach, Citrus College, and the Henry Mancini Institute, where he's known for his deep diagnostic insight and mentorship. Charley is also the founder of Charles Davis Music Products, producing a signature line of trumpets and mutes that reflect his commitment to excellence in both sound and craftsmanship.

Robert Slack is a seasoned trumpeter, educator, and recording artist with a master’s degree in trumpet performance from Indiana University, where he studied under the legendary William Adam. His diverse career has included everything from orchestras and brass ensembles to touring with Buddy Rich and Paul Anka, and performing in Las Vegas showrooms with stars like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Now based in Los Angeles, Robert has built an extensive studio career with credits spanning film, television, and commercial work. He currently serves as trumpet professor at Azusa Pacific University, where he’s been on faculty for over 18 years.

Larry Hall is one of Los Angeles’ top session trumpet players, known for his versatility across virtually every musical style. A former student of William Adam at Indiana University, Larry has built a prolific recording career with credits spanning film, television, and albums for artists including Elton John, The Jacksons, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Placido Domingo. His ability to adapt his sound to any musical context has made him a first-call player in the L.A. studio scene.

Dr. Karl Sievers is a distinguished performer and educator whose career spans orchestral, jazz, and commercial music. A former student of William Adam, he holds a DMA in trumpet performance and recently retired as a Presidential Professor at the University of Oklahoma. Now in his 24th season as principal trumpet of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Karl is equally at home playing lead in jazz and Broadway settings. When he’s not performing, he enjoys fitness, motorcycles, fishing, and time with family.

Gino Muñoz is a versatile musician, educator, and entrepreneur with over two decades of professional performance experience, including work with Michael Bublé and Gwen Stefani. A proud alumnus and now full-time faculty member at Citrus College, Gino has played a key role in shaping the school’s acclaimed Instrumental Music program. He is the past Academic Senate President, produces live shows for venues like SeaWorld and Legoland, and is a partner at 37 St Joseph Studios, a professional recording facility in Arcadia.

Anthony “Tony” Bonsera Jr. is a dynamic trumpeter, composer, arranger, and educator whose career spans jazz, big band, rock, and fusion. He has played lead or split lead trumpet with groups like The Glenn Miller Orchestra, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, and the Bill Holman Big Band, and is a longtime faculty member at Citrus College. As a bandleader and recording artist, Tony’s projects—such as his original album The Gates of Hell and the genre-blending Los Angeles Classic Rock Orchestra—showcase his creative range. His latest work, L.A.’s Finest, is an ambitious double album featuring top musicians from across the country. A Philly native, Tony still finds time for family, friends, and the occasional cheesesteak.

 

Podcast listeners! Enter code "podcast" at checkout for 15% off any of our Gard bags! Visit trumpetmouthpiece.com for more info.

 

 

Episode Links:

• WilliamAdamTrumpet.com

• Bill Adam Facebook Group -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/603106766409745/

• Charley Davis Book - A Tribute to William Adam

  Print Version - https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/products/tribute-to-william-adam-method-book-his-teachings-his-routine-by-charley-davis

  PDF Version - https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/products/digital-copy-tribute-to-william-adam-method-book-his-teachings-his-routine-by-charley-davis

• William Adam Brass Choir Arrangements - https://trumpetmouthpiece.com/collections/william-adam-brass-choir-arrangements

• International Trumpet Guild Conference, May 27-31, University of Utah, Salt Lake City.
  Sign up sheet for valve alignments: bobreeves.com/itg
  
  
• William Adam Trumpet Festival, June 19-22, Clarksville, Tennessee.
  
  williamadamtrumpet.com 
  Sign up sheet for valve alignments: bobreeves.com/williamadam

 

Podcast Credits:

• “A Room with a View“ - composed and performed by Howie Shear
• Podcast Host - John Snell
• Cover Art - courtesy of John Snell
• Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg