Harold E. Mitchell was born on January 5, 1898. His professional career took him from the stages of Vaudeville, to the sound booths of the Talkies, to the production studios of Epic Film, and finally to the role of mentor to many young musicians. Mitchell was a highly respected artist and widely recognized teacher. Pappy, as he was referred to by those who knew him was not only an exceptional artist & educator, but also the author of this extremely effective masterwork for learning to play the trumpet. Mitchell learned to play the cornet in junior high school, but had never intended to become a professional musician. Drafted into the Army during World War I, he was released from service just a few days later when the Armistice was signed. Shortly thereafter, he toured the entire country for 52 weeks by train with a successful musical comedy show. During this extended road trip, he would seek out every major brass teacher of his era including Alfred Weldon, Ernest Williams, Richard Shuebruk, Dale Stagers, William Thieck & Herbert L. Clarke. Upon his return, the Vaudeville era was in full swing. For the next few years, Mitchell worked many live shows and played in the pit for numerous silent movies, stage plays, and musicals. By the time he was in his early 20's, young Harold had now become astutely aware of his ambitions. In a short time, he became the one of the most sought after trumpet players in the Vaudeville & Theater circuits. In 1927, Hollywood changed forever when the studios learned how to add soundtracks to their pictures. This new technology was a significant advancement in film which became known as the Talkies. The major Vaudeville Theatres in L.A. always called Pappy first when they needed a lead trumpet player, so when the film studios asked them which musicians they should hire, Pappy was on the top of the list. When he entered his first sound stage, it was to begin recording for the groundbreaking film, The Jazz Singer. The completion of this project was a pivotal moment for film and became the catapult for Pappy s career. Once synchronized sound became the new standard for film, Pappy was already established as the most requested trumpeter in demand. Over the next two decades, Pappy continued his work in film at all the major studios, including MGM, Paramount & Warner Bros., and began teaching select students. His film credits include The Jazz Singer, The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind, and King Kong, as well as numerous Westerns, Disney Cartoons & other well known films. He became known as the Dean of West Coast Brass Players by his peers since he had played 1st trumpet for every major studio in Los Angeles. Pappy retained his reputation as one of the most devoted teachers in the country and Hollywood s busiest trumpet player until he retired from MGM Studios in 1947. By the age of 49, he had traveled the globe and was widely recognized by musicians, artists & educators worldwide. Mitchell actually increased his activity after his retirement, spending the next twelve years writing his method while continuing to maintain a rigorous teaching schedule. His notable students included Robert DiVall, Elden Benge, Herb Alpert, and Pappy's son, Ollie Mitchell, who himself made his own mark in the 60's, 70's & 80's as one of the top studio players in L.A. Pappy lived during an exciting time when musicians played a vital role in popular entertainment. It was a nostalgic era of live performances in music and theater. Mitchell on Trumpet is the culmination of Pappy's life's work and is highly acclaimed by many professionals, educators & artists. It remains to this day as the only complete course ever written which stresses the importance of attaining & maintaining a strong flexible embouchure & developing the positive mental attitude necessary to perform proficiently in any playing situation
"About the title" may belong to another edition of this title.