That sound you hear? It’s a piccolo trumpet, gifted to CIM

The holidays came a little early for CIM this year – and especially for the trumpet department.  

On Thursday, Dec. 19, hours after CIM closed for the holiday break, alumnus John Warner (MM ’76, Adelstein) gifted CIM a piccolo trumpet, an instrument called for in many important scores but not in wide possession by students. 

Warner’s gift “could not have come at a better time for the CIM trumpet studio,” said trumpet faculty and Cleveland Orchestra member Michael Miller, noting the CIM Orchestra’s upcoming performance of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring.  

“John’s wish to see such a fine instrument in the next generation’s hands is a testament to his generosity, and we are grateful.” 

Of all the many gifts CIM receives each year, instruments are among the most special.  

Not only do such donations empower CIM students to train on the high-quality instruments they need to excel; Many also tell a meaningful story.  

One recent example: In 2022, in honor of former viola faculty Robert Vernon, composer Richard Sortomme and his wife Carol Webb (a former violinist in the New York Philharmonic) gave CIM a viola built by Webb’s father.  

"CIM's generous supporters empower our students in countless ways...and help them sound their best in a wide range of repertoire,” said Scott Harrison, CIM’s Executive Vice President and Provost.  

Warner’s gift stands in that tradition. He gave CIM his Yamaha four-valve piccolo trumpet to honor his teacher, head of the CIM Trumpet Department for 28 years. Furthermore, the idea for the donation came from one of Miller’s predecessors, retired Cleveland Orchestra member Allan Couch.  

“It used to be my favorite horn to play...But I’m afraid those days are over,” Warner said. “It’s too nice of an instrument to have just sitting in my house any longer. It gives me great joy to think that some budding trumpet student will be able to use it while at CIM.”  

One thing Warner’s gift was not – expected.  

His mutual connection to Warner through Couch notwithstanding, Miller said he had no notion such a generous gift was in the works.  

That, though, just made the gesture all the more special, reinforcing his love for CIM and the trumpet community.  

“This was one of those cases of out-of-the-blue serendipity which life occasionally presents to us,” Miller said.  

“The lineage of CIM’s trumpet instructors who’ve taught, mentored, and stewarded young musicians from the school’s inception to the present day have much to be proud of.”