About
Susan Slaughter is an American orchestral trumpet player. She was principal trumpet player of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for 40 years, from 1972 until 2010. She is the first woman to hold the position of principal trumpet in a major American orchestra. She is also the founder of the International Women’s Brass Conference and Monarch Brass, an all female brass ensemble.
Slaughter grew up in McCordsville, Indiana and began playing the trumpet at 10 years old, in her school band. She was not allowed to play in her high school band because of her gender, except for once as a substitute. She took private lessons through the Jordan Conservatory in Indianapolis, Indiana during high school. She attended Indiana University School of Music, studying with Herbert Mueller and graduating in 1967 with a Bachelor of Music Degree and Performer’s Certificate. She studied with Robert Nagel at the Aspen Music Festival and School in 1966 and 1968. Other teachers of hers include Arnold Jacobs, Herbert Müeller, Bernard Adelstein, Claude Gordon, and Laurie Frink.
Slaughter’s first orchestral position was as principal trumpet of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra from 1967 to…
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