Since 2001, Tom Strait has been a member of the music faculty at Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he teaches brass instruments and directs the MSUM Jazz Ensemble. He holds a Doctor of Arts in trumpet performance from the University of Northern Colorado as well as degrees from Henderson State University and the University of Texas. Before coming to MSUM, Dr. Strait taught for several years at both the university and public school levels and served in the U.S. Air Force, playing with the USAF Academy Falconaires. An active freelance trumpeter, he has performed with many artists, including Bob Hope, Nancy Wilson, Natalie Cole, Doc Severinsen and Randy Brecker. Dr. Strait serves as Principal Trumpet with the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra. His past teachers include Donald Kramer, Raymond Crisara and William Pfund. Mr. Strait is a Yamaha Performing Artist.
