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Jon Schipper

A man playing a trumpet in a concert hall, with another musician slightly out of focus in the background.

Trumpet

Jon Schipper is a jazz and commercial trumpet player, bandleader, and music educator who serves as the Lecturer of Trumpet and Jazz at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville.

Recognized for his high-energy soloing and powerful upper-register playing, Schipper is a cornerstone of the Wisconsin music scene. He has spent decades performing alongside legendary national touring acts while leading regional bands and mentoring young brass instrumentalists.

Elite Live Collaborations

Schipper has built an extensive resume as a go-to freelance session and backing trumpeter. He has performed on tour or in concert alongside a legendary roster of artists:

  • Pop & Soul Icons: Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, and Johnny Mathis.

  • Jazz & Big Band Masters: Frank Sinatra Jr., Jon Faddis, Wayne Bergeron, and Maria Schneider.

  • Rock & Contemporary Acts: Cheap Trick, Mannheim Steamroller, John Tesh, and Clay Aiken.

Active Midwest Ensembles

Locally, Schipper is known for lending his trumpet talents to a wide variety of prominent Midwest bands:

  • The Jimmys: He performs regularly as the "trumpet boss" with this award-winning, horn-driven blues and R&B band based in the Madison area.

  • Phat Phunktion: He serves as the "head of high notes" and horn section leader for this acclaimed regional nine-piece funk-rock outfit.

  • The Big Payback: He plays trumpet with this progressive, soul-infused jazz-funk fusion group.

  • The Isthmus Brass & Madisalsa: He contributes to Wisconsin's premier large brass ensemble and one of the region's top salsa and Latin jazz orchestras.

Education & Honors

Beyond his live gigging schedule, Schipper is deeply involved in academia and competitive marching arts:

  • University & Band Leadership: He was previously the Director of Bands and Music Chair at Madison Country Day School for nearly 17 years before transitioning to his current role at UW–Platteville.

  • Drum Corps Background: During the 1990s, he rose to prominence in the marching arts community as a celebrated lead trumpet soloist for the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps.

  • Industry Recognition: He was awarded the prestigious title of Trumpet Player of the Year by the Madison Area Music Association (MAMA).

Groups