Yesterday was the birthday for my teacher and mentor, Ray Crisara. I managed to track him down for a few minutes on the phone last night, and it was wonderful to hear his voice and to spend at least a few minutes chatting with him. Every time I talk to him I remember the feeling of being in his studio, soaking everything in, trying to figure out some way to make the hunk of metal in my hands sound like him.

He taught me a lot about trumpet, but mostly he taught me about music and life, and how the two are intertwined. I can never repay all that he has given me, but I will never stop trying either. He has shaped me as a musician and as a man, and I am grateful to have had the chance to study with him. I am still waiting for the week to go by when I don’t mention his name in at least one lesson. I don’t expect it is going to happen anytime soon.

Happy Birthday Mr. Crisara.

§ 2 Responses to Happy Birthday Mr. C"

• john says:

  October 24, 2007 at 9:35 am

  Craig,

  I feel compelled after reading this to let you know that even though I unfortunately have no idea when your birthday is, I could copy and paste every word of this article and write it about you! The time that I spent (and will continue to spend) with you changed my life in far too many ways to list here. Thanks for everything and my students here at VT are very excited to meet you in February.

  Take care,

  John
• Jim L. says:

  October 29, 2007 at 7:57 pm

  Craig Morris is coming to VT in February? Any public appearances? I usually head up there from NYC for most of the month for an intensive skiing & practicing retreat. It’s the low point of the gig season at home, and my time up there is always very restorative. Anyway, I’d love to hear some great trumpet playing while I’m there.