Born and raised in Amarillo, Texas, Dan Casso is pursuing his Doctor of Music Arts degree at Boston University. He has performed with a variety of ensembles including the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra May Festival Fanfare Trumpet Ensemble. Additionally, Dan was named a winner of the Miami University Concerto Competition, was selected as a semifinalist for the National Trumpet Competition Graduate Solo Division, and was inducted into the Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honors Society.

Dan earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and his Master of Music Performance degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. His primary trumpet instructors are Terry Everson, Douglas Lindsay, Dr. Gary Wurtz, Dr. Stephen Campbell, Dave Ritter, and Dr. Russ Teweleit.

Birthday: April 2^nd

Schools Attended: Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches, TX); Miami University (Oxford, OH); Boston University (Boston, MA)

Instruments You Teach: Trumpet/Flugelhorn

Age You Started Lessons: 11

Performance Experience: A variety of orchestras, wind ensembles, chamber groups, and jazz bands.

Favorite Music to Listen to: Rock, Jazz, and Classical

Favorite Music to Play: Orchestral

Other Hobbies/Interests: I love watching sports and rooting for the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, San Antonio Spurs, and Vegas Golden Knights!

Something Most People Don’t Know About You: I am a proud lefty!

Where You Were Born/Grew Up: Amarillo, Texas

Practice Tips: Recording yourself play is one of the fastest ways to improve! You always hear more on a recording than you do while you’re playing.