Gerald Chavis
About
Gerald Chavis is a distinguished trumpeter, educator, and composer with a multifaceted career spanning jazz, classical, and contemporary music. He attended Florida A&M University (FAMU), where he honed his musical skills and solidified his foundation in both performance and education. Chavis was influenced by his mentorship under renowned trumpeter and educator Robert "Boysie" Lowery, teacher of Clifford Brown, who played a key role in shaping Chavis' musical approach.
Chavis is perhaps best known for his role as the director of the Clifford Brown Festival Orchestra, a prestigious ensemble that celebrates the legacy of the legendary trumpeter Clifford Brown. Under Chavis' leadership, the orchestra has become a vital part of the jazz community, performing at festivals, concerts, and educational events. His direction emphasizes both technical excellence and emotional depth, staying true to the spirit of Brown's influential music while introducing new interpretations.
Teaching Style
My approach to teaching is first to meet the student where they are. Initial focus is on the fundamentals to develop technical proficiency. Secondly is to help the student find their own voice on the instrument. I'm comfortable explaining quarter notes to begging students as well as relating improvisation concepts to advanced players.
Credentials & Affiliations
Trumpeter Gerald Chavis has appeared as both a sideman and bandleader for over 40 years. He currently performs regularly with his own ensemble, with Philadelphia-based society dance orchestras, and many church organizations in the Wilmington-Philadelphia area.
His credits include performing and/or recording with such national acts as Mick Jagger, Phyllis Hyman, Dr. Donald Byrd, The Temptations, The Dells, The Spinners, and more, as well as Delaware organizations including Opera Delaware, Christina Cultural Arts Center, and others. In addition, he spends much time in recording studios as a session musician, artist and producer for other musicians.
Chavis studied with renowned jazz teacher Robert “Boysie” Lowery, who is best known as the teacher of Clifford Brown and Ernie Watts, among others. In addition to the hard-hitting, ever-expressive Gerald Chavis Quintet (GCQ), Gerald is an active member of smooth jazz ensemble Point Blank whose debut album made it inside the top 20 on national charts. He also serves as a staff musician at St. Paul’s Baptist Church in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Chavis’ recent accomplishments include leading the Clifford Brown Tribute Big Band for the Clifford Brown Jazz Festivals in 2017 and 2018. Most recently the band featured Grammy Award-winning, Wilmington-native, saxophonist Ernie Watts on the opening night of the festival. Gerald currently directs The Fast Lane, a Christina Cultural Arts Center collective of accomplished musicians