HFL153 Chuck Wilson - Empire Brass’ Road Manager

Inside Stories from the Empire Brass Tour Manager - Chuck Wilson's Journey from Hershey to Boston and Beyond Join us on Studio HFL as host Larry welcomes Chuck Wilson, former tour manager for the iconic Empire Brass Quintet, for a fascinating discussion. Chuck shares his unique experiences working with legendary musicians like Rolf Smedvig, Charles Lewis, and Sam Pilafian. Hear about his early musical influences, his family's background, and his journey from Hershey, Pennsylvania to becoming a vital part of one of the most renowned brass quintets in the world. Chuck also delves into his time at West Point and his continued passion for drum corps. This episode offers an insider’s perspective on the music industry and the life of a touring musician. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:13 Chuck Wilson's Background and Connection to Empire Brass 02:56 Musical Journey and Education 05:21 Drum Corps and Early Influences 08:46 Joining the Empire Brass Quintet 17:21 Touring with Empire Brass 22:10 Challenges and Innovations on the Road 33:29 Reflecting on the Brass Quintet Legacy 33:53 David O'Hanion's Journey and Teaching Philosophy 34:50 Personalities and Practices of Quintet Members 36:28 Memorable Moments and Challenges 41:16 Transition to West Point Band 45:19 Life and Career at West Point 57:20 Drum Corps and Alumni Connections 01:00:45 Final Reflections and Gratitude This is from an April 22, 2022 interview. Transcripts available upon request. Contact Larry Powell at larry@studiohfl.com for that and any other questions and/or comments. Thank you for listening!