Currently on a two-year leave of absence from his position at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Ramon Vasquez is finishing up the requirements for a DMA in Trumpet Performance from the University of Minnesota studying under Dr. David Baldwin.
While in Minneapolis, Ramon has been sought after as a freelance musician playing with the top Rock, salsa and gospel groups in the area. With 10 recordings to his credit, Ramon has performed with the One O’Clock Lab Band, Dallas Wind Symphony, Minnesota Opera, Minnesota Ballet, Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra, Lyra Concert Baroque Orchestra, Barry Manilow, Peter Erskine, Steve Houghton, Jiggs Whigham, Chris Vidalla, Claudio Roditti, Ernie Watts, Christopher Cross, Sheena Easton, Peabo Bryson, the Four Tops and Lou Marini.
As an adjudicator, Ramon has judged at various Jazz Festivals throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. He has also judged at the National Trumpet Competition for five years as also served as chair of the International Trumpet Guild Jazz Solo Competition in 2001.
As a clinician, Ramon has given trumpet clinics and masterclasses throughout the Midwest, Canada, and the Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter clinic for the past four years.
Ramon’s teachers include Galindo Rodriguez, Leonard Candelaria, Keith Johnson and David Baldwin.
“I first visited the Edwards Company in 1999 after being approached by Andrew Naumann. He helped me find the perfect instrument. From the first notes I played on the horn, I was immediately impressed by the evenness of tone and intonation in all registers, as well as the sturdiness of its construction. The ability to choose from among various components (bells, leadpipes, tuning slide crooks, valve sets) impressed me. Playing a truly custom horn in an instant was the main reason why I chose Edwards Trumpets. My Gen II performs well in a wide array of styles and settings, from studio work to lead in a big band, orchestra to brass quintet. I can confidently take this horn anywhere.”