David Gardner
Trumpet | Executive Director
Mr. David Gardner, a native of North-Central Ohio, is a founding member of The Brass Roots, a member of its illustrious trumpet section, and serves as the Executive Director. Known for his innovative musical ideas and cross-genre versatility, Mr. Gardner performs frequently in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Mr. Gardner frequently performs with a number of local arts organizations: the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Resonance Works | Pittsburgh, Wheeling Symphony, Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, Opera Western Reserve, River City Brass, The Bach Choir of Pittsburgh, and many more. In 2017, David and several musicians of The Brass Roots gave the American premiere of Sir James MacMillan’s “Gloria” in collaboration with Resonance Works | Pittsburgh.
As a commercial musician, David has had the pleasure of performing and recording alongside musicians such as Barry Manilow, Slide Hampton, Rufus Reid, Ben E. King, and Ralph LaLama. Mr. Gardner is a member and composer/arranger for two Pittsburgh-based bands: The Employees of Funk (a traditional funk band with horn section) and Run The Meat (a powerhouse brass band that plays funk/dance/pop music).
In addition to performing/teaching in the city, David works for the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University and spends his free time arranging/composing, grilling, trying new cigars, and searching for the best coffee in the Steel City.
David plays a Bach Chicago C Trumpet for the high notes and a modified Yamaha 8310z for the higher notes.
Carloz Gil
Trumpet
A native of Monterrey Mexico, Carloz Gil is an active freelance trumpeter in the greater Pittsburgh area. As a classical musician, he performs with the Pittsburgh Symphony, Wheeling Symphony, Westmoreland Symphony and River City Brass Band. In 2016 he was invited to accompany the Pittsburgh Symphony on their three week European tour where they recorded Tchaikovsky’s symphonies 4, 5 and 6. Mr. Gil can be heard on their recording of Strauss’ Elektra and Der Rosenkavalier from Fresh Reference Recordings. In addition to his classical collaborations, he has been invited to commission new works with Resonance Works ensemble and Alia Musica and frequently performs with Latin band Gavas Beats and Mariachi Internacional.
This is Carloz’s fourth year with The Brass Roots and he is eager to continue making music with his friends and colleagues. In his free time, Carloz enjoys having beers with friends, watching sports, going on runs, trying new wines and cigars and spending time with his wife Kay and his cat Luna.
Micah Holt
Trumpet
Micah Holt is a trumpet player and teacher in the Pennsylvania and Ohio regions. He received a BA in trumpet performance at the University of Northern Colorado, a Masters of Music from the University of Louisville, a DMA at the University of Nevada Las Vegas and an orchestral performance certificate from Carnegie Mellon University.
In addition to his role as Principal Trumpet of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, Dr. Holt serves as Second Trumpet in the Johnstown Symphony and lead trumpet of the St. Vincent Summer Theatre Orchestra. As a soloist he has been a national finalist at the MTNA Young Artist Competition, finalist at the Brevard Concerto Competition, and a winner of the UNLV Concerto Competition. Since finishing his DMA at UNLV in trumpet performance, Dr. Holt is working towards publishing a book focusing on applied Body Mapping for trumpet players.
As a teacher, he has enjoyed working with many students from diverse playing backgrounds. Dr. Holt clearly presents, demonstrates, and passes on fundamentals of trumpet technique and musicality to all his students, whether at a beginner or a post-graduate level. He teaches out of his home in Pittsburgh as well as Northeastern, PA with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic Mentoring Program.
Shawn Wilson
Trumpet
Shawn has been a member of The Brass Roots since its founding in 2014. Shawn, a
native of Pittsburgh, is a member of the River City Brass Band, and regularly plays with The
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Ballet, and Wheeling Symphony.
He has also had the privilege of playing for Mannheim Steamroller and Michael W. Smith. In 2017, Shawn and several musicians of The Brass Roots gave the American premiere of Sir James MacMillan’s “Gloria” in collaboration with Resonance Works | Pittsburgh.
Shawn is a REALTOR of Western PA and member of RAMP, and Million-Dollar Producer at
Northwood Realty. In his spare time, Shawn enjoys photographing the outdoors and a good cup
of coffee.