Pacific Crest is pleased to announce the appointment of Seth Murphy as Co-Caption Head of its brass program. Murphy came to Pacific Crest last fall after three years with the Bluestars, where he served as Assistant Caption Head in 2011.
Over the past three years, Brass Caption Head Brad Davis has developed Pacific Crest’s brass program with input from former long-time Program Coordinator Dale Leaman, and in consultation with UCLA’s Gordon Henderson and DCI Hall-of-Fame Member Frank Williams. “The addition of Seth makes our brass staff stronger and more dynamic. To have someone of Seth’s experience and talent as co-caption head gives us a great competitive edge. His style and knowledge compliments what’s already in place, making Seth’s new role a natural fit. I look forward to bringing out the best in each other as teachers, which will provide an even better experience for our members.”
Program Coordinator Mark Gunderson initially brought Seth aboard in the fall of 2011. “Seth was a great addition to the brass program last year. He’s a wonderful teacher with a tremendous amount of energy and a load of experience in performance and instruction in this activity. He and Brad will make a powerful team, which will really be an extension of their relationship from last year. Their ability to bounce ideas off of each other and work collaboratively in terms of pedagogy and instructional techniques will be a great boon for the brass program. I’m very excited!”
Murphy is a native of Rock Hill, South Carolina, where he lived for 26 years. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance in Euphonium and Bass Trombone from Winthrop University. After performing with Carolina Crown, teaching at the Carolina Crown for two years, and then performing with Blast!, he went on to teach the Blue Stars. Seth recently relocated to Southern California with his wife, Kimi. They recently celebrated the birth of their son, Gavin, as well as Seth’s new career as band director at Arcadia High School.
He looks forward to his new role at Pacific Crest. “I’ve been involved with a number of groups in the performing arts world, including the drum corps activity. I see a real opportunity for tremendous growth in the brass program as well as the entire performing ensemble at Pacific Crest. The membership of the drum corps is strong, with a profound sense of team spirit, which is a key ingredient for success in our activity. I look forward to providing my expertise and leadership alongside Brad and the rest of the brass staff and instructional team at Pacific Crest for many years to come. I can promise that there is much more in store from this group!”
