Bruce Mills

Bruce earned Encore's Instructor of the Month in October 2024.

Teaching with Encore since June 2024

EAGLE, S MERIDIAN
BRUCE MILLS
(Trumpet, Horn)

Bruce has been playing trumpet for over 50 years. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music
Education in 1981 from the University of Redlands, Redlands, CA and a MBA in Finance from California State University San Bernardino, CA. In addition to the various musical groups at the University, Bruce performed with the Redlands Fourth of July Band and in other community ensembles. He formed the Redlands Firecrackers Dixieland Band, a professional group that performed in the area at various functions.

After moving to San Diego County, CA, Bruce became the Principal Trumpet for the North
Coast Symphony, a position which he held for 10 years. He also performed on occasion with the
La Jolla Symphony and Chorus, as well as in local big bands. He relocated to Orange County, CA in 2006 when he became the founding President of Partners Bank of California. There he joined the Golden West Pops Band and the Southern California Philharmonic Orchestra.

After retirement from Banking, Bruce relocated to Meridian, Idaho with his wife, son and
grandkids. Since his arrival here he has performed in various organizations including being Principal of the Canyon County Symphony and is a member of the Serenata Orchestra and
Encore's Starrharrt Symphonic. He also performs from time to time with the Meridian Symphony, and previously performed with the Treasure Valley Concert Band. Bruce is also a regular in the pit orchestras for the Music Theatre of Idaho.

A lifelong student of trumpet, Bruce has studied over the years with the following renowned
professional teachers:
-Claude Gordon Professional trumpet player, band leader, educator and author
-Joan La Rue Professor of Trumpet at California State University Long Beach, CA
-John McFerren Wilds 2nd Trumpet, San Diego Symphony, CA
-David Washburn Trumpet performer, recording studio artists, Los Angeles Philharmonic, LA Opera, LA Chamber Orchestra
-Barry Perkins Studio Musician, Principal trumpet – Pacific Symphony, Newport Beach, CA
-Howie Shear Studio Musician, Professor of Trumpet California State University Northridge
-David Evans Professional Trumpet Player, Educator, Glendora, CA
-Dr. Derek Ganong Professor of Trumpet, Boise State University, performing artist

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