Trumpeter Syreeta On Her Past and Future - Making Music in a Man’s World

By Eileen Bluestone Sherman

You never know who’s standing in front of you. Some years ago, when waiting in line at a Hollywood awards ceremony, I began a conversation with a musician standing in front of me. She told me she played the trumpet. I was fascinated. I never met a female trumpeter. I suspected she had to be good because she was one of the nominees that evening! We began talking, and one might say we haven’t stopped.

A world-class musician, a fearless entrepreneur, and a dedicated music educator, my friend Syreeta Thompson, is that perfect combination of charm and intensity. She’s all business… but always with grace and a smile. Her current project is the most ambitious of her lifetime. Here’s the inside scoop on the making of her new doc-series, Blo Yo Horn: Making Music in a Man’s World.

Trumpeter Syreeta

Syreeta, I love the title and theme of your project. It suggests to me a double entendre, referring to you as a trumpeter but also referencing the expression, "Toot your own horn.”  All of us in the arts know that we all must embrace self-promotion. Knowing you, I can never imagine that you ever felt intimidated in a studio or on stage with a group of all-male musicians.  That said, this project must have a very personal meaning for you. What inspired you to go on this creative journey, and what do you hope will be the takeaway for young, aspiring musicians (both girls and boys) today? 

I decided to tell this story because I saw a need. There are very few documentaries that highlight female musicians. When they are included, most female musicians appear as visual artifacts without being fully recognized for their craftsmanship.

And, yes! The BYH body of work should resonate with anyone who has ever had to overcome a critical obstacle. Its theme is as much for boys as it is for girls. No matter what career we choose, we all confront challenges, experiencing both hills and valleys, as we strive to accomplish our dreams. 

As a writer and producer, I am always intrigued by "the process" (both the artistic and commercial journey). When it was simply a blank slate with just a kernel of an idea in your imagination,  how did you begin to "concretely" put such a complicated project together?

I began with a Google document and had to answer some important questions so that there would be a valid story. What is the problem? Why is there a problem? How can we fix the problem? Secondly, I began looking for young ladies who could identify with the story, not just as musicians, but also those who could articulate the issues on film clearly and effectively. As the director and producer, I sought talent that offered more than just being a side musician; I also looked for women who understood the business of music and entrepreneurship.

As I began to craft the story, I realized it would take some time to explore each artist’s musical journey. It certainly required more than a single interview. For example, I realized I needed more background information about family, upbringing, and personal history. How would that part of the story be captured? To gain more insight, I also needed to interview family members, friends, teachers, and colleagues.

But there was even more. I had to ensure that I included cultural and genre diversity. I quickly learned that every genre of music has its language and customs. For example, most musicians in the Rock world reference each other as “guns for hire".

Syreeta (trumpet) performing with Brittany Lightning (drums) and Brittany Denaro (guitar).

I read that, sadly, you lost your dad, a top-notch jazz musician, when you were only four years old, and that your mom has always been your greatest champion and rock of Gibraltar. I imagine that her wisdom and support will continue to be a source of strength. Still, we all get our share of life’s hard knocks. No one escapes. What lessons have you learned on the job?

Life lesson # 1: Learn and study your craft. Train to be a musician! Early in my career, I wasn’t ready for the rigor of what it would take to be a professional musician, and I experienced A LOT of musical rejection in terms of getting certain types of "gigs.”

Life lesson # 2: Learn the business of entertainment, but don’t be afraid of failure. (I’ve had my share!) Here’s a more current and expensive example. I tried to finish Blow Yo Horn with a live concert film, and I was relying on my fundraising development team. The total cost would be $150,000 to do a high-level production. I invested $15,000 of my money in the event. As the date drew closer, ticket sales remained relatively low. Then, none of the sponsors came through. I had to cancel the event and return payment to ticket holders. I lost $15,000 and had NO film. During this time, I learned that concert films do not generate significant revenue in the streaming world. Had I known, I wouldn't have made the financial investment. Along the way, I also lost some great relationships. Yes, this was a tough lesson, but every artist must be ready to accept personal financial loss.

Lesson # 3: Pay after services have been fully rendered. Sadly, not everyone values professional integrity. At times, subcontractors were disrespectful. Some never completed the job; others never showed up after I fully prepaid them.

Lesson # 4: Learn from mistakes, and don’t repeat them. Above all, remain determined. No matter how many bumps in the road, see the endgame.

Tell me about the cast. How and why did you choose these particular women musicians and composers to shed some light on this very complex subject?

Brittany Brooks is a drummer who has performed with CeeLo Green, Nelly, and several other prominent artists. She also wrote a book that she created for “little girl drummers.” Brittany is interesting because she's not only a musician, but she's also a correction officer. Her story of balancing life as a drummer and playing gigs while surviving in Los Angeles is unique. In her story, we explore the complex lives of a musician and a correctional officer. 

Left to right: Syreeta (trumpet), Vidie Williams (bass), Brittany Brooks (drums), Brittany Lightning (guitar), and Kim Davis (piano). Standing: Beth Wilson (line director) and Martin Shore (co-director).

Brittany Lightning is the lead guitarist for the rock band Vixen. I wanted to capture Brittany because she gives a peek into the challenges of being a female guitarist in the world of rock and roll. 

Bass guitarist Vidie Williams has performed with Beyonce, Nelly, and Ari Lennox. She is also the sister of drummer Joy Williams. Both Vidie and Joy are rhythm section musicians who grew up playing in church. Their story is interesting because they are sisters striving to become household names as musicians while leading very separate lives. 

I know that you are an ardent believer in music education. You hold Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Douglas College and Rutgers University. Did you have any women music professors who inspired your confidence in a male-driven world?  If so, how?  

Yes, I am a staunch believer in Education, Music Education, and all areas of Arts Education. I was fortunate. I had an amazing Dean at Rutgers University: Elizabeth O’Connell Ganges. Dean Ganges was and is a force of nature. Her level of expertise in education inspired me during my time at Rutgers. She became a special confidante. Many days, I cried on her shoulder. I was so honored when she chose me to be the first female musician to play The Star Spangled Banner at a Rutgers University Graduation.

Left to right: Rhona Bennett (Envogue Music), Syreeta (trumpet), Vidie Williams (bass), Brittany Brooks (drums)

First, as a passionate student of music and now a highly dedicated music educator, I imagine you subscribe to the importance of music in every child’s life. Do you recall any life experiences or personal events that brought you to this conclusion?  

I believe that music education is a pathway to success, and I am committed to studying every aspect of it. Honestly, I came to this conclusion naturally. For as long as I can remember, music has always been my life. As a child, my mother reared me in music. I grew up playing the trumpet in church. I took my trumpet to church before taking a single private lesson. I've studied music since I was ten years old and had the good fortune to study with wonderful teachers like Maurice André. (New York Philharmonic) Vincent Czeowic (Principal Trumpeter of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra), and William B Fielder at Rutgers. I was also mentored by Freddie Hubbard, Wynton Marsalis, and Terrance Blanchard. Without a doubt, music education is a part of my DNA.

Syreeta's fellow trumpeter Hannah Ureste

I suspect you want to keep us all in suspense, and rightfully so, but could you give us a few clues about what we should expect from this new project?  Will there be a theme to each episode, or will the series simply follow a timeline? As you can imagine, we are all quite curious and wish you the very best of luck!  

Yes, each episode will have a theme. Also, we tap into the lives of many other women who work behind the scenes in the music industry. I don’t want to reveal too much, but I assure you, there are some great surprises in store. Stay Tuned!

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Syreeta Thompson is affiliated with the IC chapter:

IC • US • NJ • New Jersey North

Keep Up to Date with Syreeta at https://www.trumpetlady.com