Howie Shear received a Bachelors in Education from Fredonia State University in 1975 and a Masters in Jazz Studies from the Eastman School of Music in 1977. He studied with James F. Burke and Raymond Crisara. Howie toured
with the Woody Herman Band as lead trumpet player & featured soloist
in 1980. After the tour he moved to Los Angeles and worked as a studio
musician and soloist. Among the extensive list of artists he has worked
with are: The Chuck Mangione Orchestra, Tony Bennett, George Benson, Mel
Torme, Reno Jones, The Temptations, and The Spinners. He was the musical
arranger and lead trumpet player on the Joan Rivers Late Night Show. Howie
has also played various shows at the Ahmanson Theater and many jazz
festivals around the world where he has held trumpet clinics. Arranger and
producer of various jazz albums, Howie currently has his own jazz quartet.
His classical work includes playing with brass quintets and choirs, solo
church work, and solo work in the studios.
He received his Doctorate in Music from the University of Southern
California in 2002.
Equipment:
Howie plays a gold plated V~Raptor.
Schilke piccolo
Benge D/Eb
Bach C w/ 239 bell
French Besson flugelhorn
Howie has a Bob Reeves Valve Alignment on all of his horns
Bob Reeves custom trumpet mouthpiece w/ Bach 3C rim and 2 customized
underparts
(One for lead and one for Jazz)
Bob Reeves C2J
Bob Reeves HF flugelhorn mouthpiece