A career in professional music can bring with it many unique opportunities. Music stretches beyond cultural and continental boundaries, both in literal geographic terms and in the influences of many musical pieces, composers, and genres. Brother Tom Hooten, Upsilon Psi (South Florida) ’94, sees his experience with Phi Mu Alpha as one of the first and most important times when he truly understood the extent of music's reach. "Music is important in our communities and is an essential element to having a deep sense of culture in our society. Phi Mu Alpha helped me to start recognizing this. I learned how music brought together a group of men to achieve a goal, and the close brotherhood that resulted from that effort. We also learned how to use music as a tool to bring joy into the lives of others. Phi Mu Alpha helped plant this seed in me as a young man and I am grateful for that."

In his undergraduate experience, Hooten became keenly aware of the power Sinfonia could have to affect the demeanor of young men, how they approached their music, work, and relationships with others. "We were always looking for ways to deepen the meaning of Phi Mu Alpha and its effectiveness within our community and school. We did this in part by making the initiation process very educational and professional. I remember there was always a strong sense of group effort from everyone, doing their part to chip in and make a difference." This is an example of perhaps the earliest and most fundamental goal of our Fraternity: to instill within brothers a sense of brotherhood and community so that their endeavors – both musical and otherwise – can shine in a way that is impossible to achieve alone.

That same work ethic and dedication has served Hooten well in his career as a trumpet player. He began his career performing for "The President's Own" United States Marine Band in 2000. Since then, he has been assistant principal trumpet in the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, principal trumpet in the Atlanta Symphony, and recently accepted the principal trumpet position in the Los Angeles Philharmonic. "The LA Philharmonic is constantly recording and pushing the envelope in the classical music scene," says Hooten of his new position, which officially starts in September. "Their conductor, Gustavo Dudamel, is an amazing musician and leader. During my trial weeks with the orchestra, he was very inspiring and challenged me to grow as a musician." Though the full-time job with the Philharmonic doesn't begin until September, Hooten will be taking part in a trip to Caracas, Venezuela this spring with the LA Phil. On their tour, they will perform Mahler's Symphonies 1, 4, 6, 8, and 9. "Symphony number 8 will literally be a symphony of a thousand," explains Hooten. "I believe they will have 200 musicians on stage and over 1000 chorus members." This endeavor, which spans countries and cultures and includes over a thousand people, is the same principle writ large that Hooten was able to see in his collegiate experience.

At every phase of Hooten's journey, he is quick to point out the leaders that helped him develop as a musician and a man. From his days in Indianapolis learning from the principal player, "Chappy" Perry, or his recent time in Atlanta under the baton of Robert Spano. He even cites his "big brother" at Upsilon Psi, National President John Mongiovi, among those that he admires and who helped him through his time as a collegian. "He [John] honestly was a great big brother, very supportive and helpful with everything from Sinfonia stuff to helping a little brother write a difficult paper for a class. I admired John's honest expression of his intention with Phi Mu Alpha. I know he makes a difference and is an ideal role model for what being a great Sinfonian is." It's a spirit of gratitude that Tom has displayed at every phase of his career, making Hooten himself a model of dedication and humility while representing the best in music.

"Trumpet Call" Album Available

Brother Hooten has recently come out with his first solo album, "Trumpet Call," and is featured in this month's Refrain. Below are some of his thoughts on the album:

"The selection process for the pieces had a couple of thoughts behind it. First, I wanted to record a few pieces that didn't have too many recordings out there. I thought that students at the collegiate and advanced high school levels could benefit from another recording of the Concerto in f by Oscar Bohme, and I believe that this is the first recording of the Incantation, Threne, and Danse by Alfred Desenclos with the piano accompaniment."

"I enjoy trying to show the many different roles the trumpet can play. It can be one of the most versatile instruments and I hope to show a small part of that with this recording."

Listen to a track from "Trumpet Call" in this month's Refrain by clicking here.