Donovan Bankhead - Trumpet

How long have you played?

Since 1986, when I started in 6th grade band.

Occupation (or what keeps you busy when you’re not making music):

I’m the owner and CEO of Ernie Williamson Music, a multi-location school music retail chain based in

Springfield, MO. I also host the Music Retail Podcast and run FretSpot.com, a boutique bass retailer.

How did you get started playing your instrument?

I started band in 6th grade on a $50 pawn shop trumpet. I later received a King silver-plate trumpet as a

gift, and that original $50 trumpet hangs in our offices today as a reminder of where I got my start.

Musical groups I’ve played with:

Arkansas Highlands Brass Band
Ozark Festival Orchestra (Principal Trumpet)
Four State Symphonic Winds
Missouri State University Community Band
7D Funk (a Springfield-based disco band)
Galloway Chamber Orchestra

Favorite piece I’ve ever performed:

Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 in E minor. It was the first time I got to play in a quality orchestra

alongside my wife, Belinda, on trombone and my youngest son, Maddox, on tuba. It was his first pseudo-

professional performance as a high school student, and he nailed it.

A piece I’d love to perform someday:

Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, a personal dream of mine (and honestly, every trumpet player’s). I’m also

excited to be performing Dvorak’s New World Symphony with the Galloway Chamber Orchestra.

Favorite composer or musical style:

I was exposed to Tchaikovsky’s music in high school, and it created a lifelong love for his compositions.

As a player, though, I love all kinds of music and styles. Playing Broadway shows is especially rewarding

because they’re so diverse and challenging.

Favorite hobby besides music:

My wife and I are avid golfers, even though I’m terrible at it and can’t seem to get better. We also love

social activities like learning to dance, anything that broadens our horizons.

Favorite food or restaurant:

I love Thai food. My go-tos are Everyday Thai and Corner 21 (one of the best Chinese restaurants in the

state), both in Springfield.

Favorite movie or TV show:

I’ve loved everything from Andy Weir I’ve encountered, whether it’s The Martian or Project Hail Mary.

A place I’d love to visit:

I’ve never been to Europe, and every time I see photos of the Swiss Alps, I’m blown away. It’s got to be

on the bucket list.

Something most people don’t know about me:

Most people see me as very outgoing, maybe even brash, but also caring. What they don’t know is that

as a kid I was really shy, and I can still be shy sometimes today. I also always deal with some amount of

performance anxiety or stage fright when playing in public.

If I could have dinner with any musician (past or present), it would be:

Louis Armstrong. He was an innovator on the trumpet, had an amazing career that crossed over into popular music, and

was an ambassador for music all over the world, all while enduring the racial issues he faced throughout

his career.

What do you enjoy most about playing in the Ozark Festival Orchestra?

First and foremost, I just love playing. Beyond that, the OFO has been bringing orchestral music to our

area for decades, which is such a wonderful mission. It’s special to play with people who want to make

music with their neighbors, for their neighbors.

What advice would you give someone thinking about joining?

Absolutely do it, especially if you’re willing to put in personal practice time. We want to see the quality of

the orchestra continue to rise, and we want people to join us who share that mindset.

Favorite orchestra memory:

The Tchaikovsky 5 performance with Belinda and Maddox.