March 2, 2015
Conrad Jonesâs Trumpet Concerto with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra is âflawlessâ

Twenty-four-year-old xxxxÊÓÆ” alumnus and principal trumpet of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, Conrad Jones (BM'11, Michael Miller), performed George Tsontakisâs trumpet concerto âTrue Colorsâ in February to .
Jones joined the Tucson Symphony Orchestra (TSO) just last season, making this his first concerto in his new role. The piece, âTrue Colors,â made its premiere in 2012 and Jonesâs performance at TSO's February Classics Concert was one among only a few total.
Of the performance, Green Valley News said, âthe stated purpose of âTrue Colorsâ is to explore the colors of the trumpet as well as the true colors of the composer. Jones handled his part brilliantly, not only with his incredible embrasure but also a series of mutes and homemade devices to display the audio range of the instrument.
His performance was flawless and amply demonstrated his interest in and conquest of the various venues in which the trumpet is typically heard â classic hall, jazz club, blues room. It was all stunning and outstandingâŠ.The piĂšce de rĂ©sistance was Jonesâ encore, offered unaccompanied and darkly muted â a jazzy, uniquely improvised Rodgers and Hart favorite, âMy Funny Valentine.â Needless to say, the audience loved it.â
on how Jones prepared for the concert in an interview with .