Carter Stowman
Student Writer
Joey Tartell, an associate professor of trumpet and the director of undergraduate studies at Indian University’s Jacobs School of Music, took a week to visit Messiah College to work with students and perform with them.
When I got the chance to speak with Tartell he expressed how grateful he was to have been able to spend a week at the college. “My work at Messiah College last week allowed me to really connect with the students and faculty, making a more meaningful visit for me and hopefully for the students and faculty as well,” he explained.
Performing with both JazzONE, directed by Dr. William Stowman, and JazzTWO, directed by Mark Hunsberger, Tartell displayed his skills as a professional musician.
Playing with JazzTWO for the first half of the concert, Tartell was featured on songs such as Wonderland, a Benny Carter tune arranged by Brent Wallarab, and ‘O Sole Mio by di Capua and Mazzuchi. Both of these songs allowed the guest artist to show off his experience playing different styles of jazz.
After a short intermission, JazzONE took the stage to open the second half of the concert. With this group of students, Joey Tartell was featured on songs such as 3-2-1-0, Where’s Teddy, Stardust, and Moanin’. Another piece that Tartell soloed on featured Messiah’s own bassist Lyla Bowser, ‘20.
Professor of Trumpet and Co-Chair of the Department of Music at Messiah College, Dr. William Stowman said, “Having Joey Tartell on campus has been a tremendous experience. His artistry, as well as his teaching, were simply exceptional. For someone with such an impressive resume, he was exceedingly accessible, friendly, and open with the students.”
I also met with Tartell after the Jazz ensembles concert to discuss his feelings toward sharing music. “Performing music is very special for me,” he said. “As a musician, most of the time with my trumpet is spent alone in a practice room. I enjoy practicing, as playing trumpet is part of my life’s work. Performing is the chance to share the results of that work with others, with the hope that they enjoy it as well.”
Teaching full time and still remaining an active performer, Joey Tartell has a master’s degree in jazz studies from the University of Miami, and a Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music.
Tartell and Dr. Stowman are also members of Tromba Mundi, a trumpet ensemble that has three recordings and a recent performance in Carnegie Hall.
For a list of future concerts and recitals at Messiah College, you can visit Messiah’s website. Other information about the Music Department can also be found online such as academic programs, faculty and more information for prospective students.