Playing the trumpet has always been a very big part of Gerry Sutton’s life. During World War II, his mom toured on trumpet with Joy Cayler’s All-Girl Big Band. His mom was also responsible for introducing Gerry to the trumpet just as he started 3rd grade. While in college, he studied trumpet performance with Jacob Larsen at Colorado State University, earning a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. Gerry also studied trumpet with Gerald Endsley and jazz improvisation with Eugene Rush at the University of Denver, earning a Master of Music degree in music composition and conducting.
Gerry has toured and performed with the Richard Penner Big Band, the Little Big Band, and the Denver Kicks Big Band. He has also performed with renowned jazz artists and entertainers including Quincy Jones, David Amram, Harry Belafonte, James Brown, Tina Turner, Sammy Davis Jr., and many others.
Gerry recently retired as a band and orchestra director from the St. Vrain Valley School District, having taught instrumental music in the public schools for more than twenty-six years. He also currently plays cornet in the Rocky Mountain Brassworks, and trumpet with the Boulder Concert Band.
