Feature Story

December 21, 2018 | By Cole Hatcher

Ohio Wesleyan professor and trumpeter Larry Griffin (left) is with Marshall Sealy at Carnegie Hall, where the two performed recently as part of the sold-out concert, ‘A Night of Inspiration.’ (Photo courtesy of Larry Griffin)

In Concert at Carnegie Hall

Ohio Wesleyan Professor Larry Griffin Plays Trumpet at Sold-Out Event

It was “A Night of Inspiration” that featured a 64-piece orchestra, a 200-voice multicultural choir, and a slew of stars including Regina Belle, Shirley Caesar, Kenny Lattimore, and BeBe Winans.

Also performing at the sold-out Carnegie Hall concert was Ohio Wesleyan University music professor and department chair Larry Griffin, who played principal trumpet at the Dec. 15 event.

The Dec. 15 ‘A Night of Inspiration’ concert was held in the Stern Auditorium and Perelman Stage of New York’s Carnegie Hall. (Photo courtesy of Larry Griffin)

“The performance was amazing on all levels,” said Griffin, who joined the OWU faculty in 1986. “I am still excited about the performance.”

Griffin previously has performed with such musical legends as the Four Tops and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.

This year’s “A Night of Inspiration” marked the third year for the event. It was created as “an evening of musical mashups from artists of all genres with one goal in mind; to inspire!” The concert was directed by acclaimed producer, composer, and music director Ray Chew (music director of TV’s “Dancing with the Stars”) and co-produced by his wife and business partner, Vivian Scott Chew.

At Ohio Wesleyan, Griffin, D.M.A., teaches courses in applied brass and conducting. He has conducted OWU students performing in University’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Brass Choir, Trumpet Ensemble, Pep Band, and Jazz combos.

In addition, he supports talented high school musicians throughout the Midwest with his work on the annual Ohio Wesleyan President’s High School Honor Band Festival, now in its 55th year.

Learn more about Griffin, Ohio Wesleyan’s Department of Music, and upcoming on-campus concerts and recitals at owu.edu/music.