Richard Roberts

Trumpet

“This award inspired me to reach for a higher note”

Richard Roberts, trumpeter, was named the 2013 AIJF Jazz Scholarship winner, when he was a senior at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, in Jacksonville, FL. A former student at Fernandina Beach Middle School and High School, Roberts sat in with the Dynamic Les DeMerle Big Band at the 2013 Big Band Bash. “I love to swing, “he said, “and jamming with Les’ band is always a great thrill and learning experience.” Roberts cites Wynton Marsalis and his Middle School Band Director, Randy Hamm, as being major influences of his playing. “I’ve also learned a lot listening to Louis Armstrong and Clifford Brown and really dig the old cool styles,” he added. He started his College music education attending Jacksonville University.