Thomas Erdmann has an article published

Professor of Music Thomas Erdmann had a 6,000-word article published in the March 2019 issue of The International Trumpet Guild Journal.

The article, "Living Musical History – Louise Baranger," is on trumpeter, flugelhornist and teacher Louise Baranger’s life story.  Born in Hollywood, California, she was raised in a musical family (Baranger’s grandfather wrote for the Schubert’s of Schubert Theatres fame). She studied with studio trumpeters such as MGM Studio’s First Trumpeter Harold “Pappy” Mitchell, his successor in that position Uan Rasey, then with Bobby Shew and William Vacchiano. Baranger joined Harry James’ band in 1982, staying until his death a year later. Next came a stint playing in the Las Vegas production of "Sugar." Further work included freelancing in the big bands of Nelson Riddle, Jack Wilson, and Ray Anthony. Some of her television work has included, but is not limited to, "The Bobby Vinton Show," "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson," "Saturday Night Live," and "Kid’s Day" at Walt Disney World. Some of her studio work includes the soundtracks and/or on-screen appearances for "Dallas," "Falcon Crest," "The Flash," Fox Studios TV Logo, the movies "Mickey and Maude," "For The Boys, "Brain Donors," and countless jingles.

All of the above was done when not on the road both domestically and abroad with Steve Allen, Milton Berle, George Burns, Sammy Davis Jr., the Fifth Dimension, Buddy Greco, Joan Rivers, Dionne Warwick, and Bobby Womack, to name just a few. On Broadway she’s subbed on the shows "Carousel," "Ragtime," "Les Miserables," and "42nd Street." In the little spare time left she leads her own bands and takes soloing gigs with ensembles like the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, the Jazz Ensemble de Santa Fe in Argentina, the Leipzig and Mannheim big bands in Germany, and the Athens and Macon Georgia symphonies. As a teacher she spent eight years at the Litchfield Jazz Camp and has given masterclasses in places like Argentina, Japan, Peru, and across the United States.

Her historical work includes bringing the story of trumpeter Chris Griffin forward to the world and working closely with Warren W. Vaché, Sr. on his bio of the legend.  She was also instrumental in Peter J. Levinson’s book "Trumpet Blues: The Life of Harry James," and produced a CD set honoring her former husband and best friend Canadian Brass trumpeter Fred Mills as well as editing a book of his trumpet exercises with proceeds from both projects going to a University of Georgia scholarship fund.

Today Baranger lives in Connecticut where part of what she does includes leading her own Great American Groove Book Band, as well as the Revolutionary Brass Quintet, is a member of Echoes of Sinatra with Steve Kazlauskas, takes theater gigs, is a member of Steve Wexler and the Top Shelf, teaches a full studio of musicians, and works with her husband in Wine-Jazz concerts.