The Symphonic Wallflower

Following Botti

By Erik Thogerson

 

Chris Botti and former teacher Fred Sautter

When comparing Chris Botti’s life to my own there are some striking similarities.  We were both born in Portland, Oregon, albeit 24 years apart.  Both of us began playing trumpet at a fairly early age, and eventually studied privately with Fred Sautter, former Principal Trumpet, Oregon Symphony.   Both of us took classes at Mt. Hood Community College and then eventually headed off to the Midwest to begin attending Indiana University. 

I clearly remember one of my trumpet lessons in high school when Fred told me that it’s almost impossible to tell if a student is going to go on to be great or not.  He said that there only have been three students that he has ever taught (in forty plus years of teaching) that he was sure would go on to greatness.  One of them was Chris Botti. 

Twelve solo albums and countless concerts collaborating with some of the greatest performers of our time later, I guess you could say that Fred was right.

Last May I graduated from Indiana University.  Now, this is where I think my path will start heading in a different direction that Chris’.  I don’t have the same aspirations for my career that Chris had when leaving Indiana University.  However, now that my path has led me to Indianapolis, it looks as though Chris may be following me for once.  He will be here performing with the ISO on November 24^th and while we have never actually met it seems as though we will have plenty to talk about.