Warren Kus received his Bachelor's of Music degree from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, FL. During Warren’s first two years at UNF, he studied orchestral trumpet with Mr. Brian Urso. Warren also studied from Mr. J. B. Scott, Trumpet Professor and Director of the Great American Jazz Series. J. B. taught Warren the art of improvisation, as well as the advanced styles of lead trumpet. While attending the University of North Florida, Warren played in many different groups, including Jazz Ensemble I, II, and III, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Ensemble, Orchestra, Brass Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble, Brass Quintet, and many more high level performing ensembles. Warren studied with Dr. Randall Tinnin, Assistant Professor of Trumpet, from his third year to the end of his undergraduate degree. Due to Dr. Tinnin’s inspirational nature and wealth of instrumental knowledge, Warren has been able to create a very distinct sound on the trumpet. This merging of unique intellects has become a defining aspect of the well-rounded musician he is today.
Warren currently resides in Jacksonville, FL as a Master's of Arts candidate at the University of Central Florida, where he is studying classical trumpet from Mr. John Almeida. He plays with many of the university's groups as well as other ensembles in the area. Warren is a freelance musician in the greater Northeast Florida area, and is the founder of The Palm Trio. Through diligent practice and professional help, Warren has become proficient on Trumpet, Piccolo Trumpet, Cornet, Flugelhorn, Baroque Trumpet, French Horn, Tenor Horn, and Trombone (Tenor and Bass)
Warren's past performing experiences include sharing the stage with such artists as Terance Blanchard, Slide Hampton, Benny Green, Mike Stern, Kurt Elling, Bill Watrous, Bunky Green, and many more. He is currently a member of the UCF Wind Ensemble, Pegasus Brass Quintet, NewMe (The New Music Ensemble), the Brass Band of Central Florida, Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, and Space Coast Oratorio Society Orchestra. Aside from his membership to these groups, he has performed with Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Ancient City Brass, River City Brass Band, Central Florida Lyric Opera, the Cocoa Village Playhouse Orchestra, and many more.
What is your favorite aspect about being a musician? Musicians devote a great amount of time and energy to preparing each and every performance; however, they rarely get recognized for their tremendous dedication to accuracy. When we perform, it is said that the stage allows us to pour out our feelings and share a part of our lives with everyone listening. I would have to say that sharing these experiences with all my friends in the orchestra as well as the audience is my favorite part about being a musician.
Which composers most inspire you? From the legendary classics to the young new writers of today, my inspiration comes from the emotional ingenuity of their music. As a trumpet player, Handel, Telemann, and Bach are just a few examples of great utilization of brass writing. Also Mahler, Strauss, Shostakovich, and Respighi are a few 20th century composers that inspire me greatly and have contributed majorly to the orchestral repertoire.
What are your favorite recordings? There are many recordings that are essential to all classical and orchestral musicians. My favorite recording is the one currently occupying my CD player, which is Toscanini and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performing Mussorgsky’s A Night on Bald Mountain, along with Britten’s A Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra.
What piece are you looking forward to most in the SCSO’s 2010-2011 Season? Although we are performing multiple pieces this upcoming season, I do not believe I can choose one specific piece or program. From our opening concert until the end of the season, the orchestra will perform with great energy and passion. Aaron Collins’ ability to capture the essence of the score, along with the high caliber musicians around me allows me to look forward to every performance by the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra.
