Dr. Chuck Seipp is well-known around the world as a great trumpet player and will be returning to his Plant City roots to share his music at Hopewell Baptist Church this weekend.
Seipp and Hopewell Senior Pastor Dr. Dan Middlebrooks linked up through military connections to make this Sunday, Nov. 1, “King of Instruments and Instrument of Kings” concert possible.
Seipp will be bringing the other musicians he’s been playing with to the church for the occasion.
“He’s a very gracious and humble man, very gifted in what he does,” Middlebrooks said.
Seipp was born and raised in Plant City. He graduated from Plant City High in 1975 before going on to a career in the military. He honed his craft in the United States Army band, eventually earning his doctorate in music and making a name for himself as one of the better trumpet players in the world.
The main reason Seipp has been around town this week is because he’s been working with Hillsborough Community College’s music program. Professor John Baker, a trumpeter who also will be playing with Seipp, brought him on as a guest teacher and clinician to work with 150 of the top high school and collegiate trumpeters from the Tampa Bay area.
Seipp joined the HCC musicians for a series of concerts in Ybor City and Sarasota with the “Fanfare Winds” wind ensemble as the guest soloist.
He added the Nov. 1 date at Hopewell to his calendar after connecting with Middlebrooks, and the group has put together a solid lineup for the Hopewell audience.
The plan is for Seipp and the group to perform both traditional and original music at the church, featuring some of Seipp’s own original pieces and favorites, such as “Amazing Grace.”
“This will be very first time we’ve put vocals to it,” Middlebrooks said. “It’s kind of cool to do this for the very first time.”
Middlebrooks will provide vocals for the arrangement. Other musicians who will be performing at the church include Baker, renowned organist and pianist Mary Mozelle and Seipp’s brother, Neil, who is also a trumpet player.
The concert is open to the public, and Middlebrooks has also extended an invitation to Plant City’s young musicians.
“We’ve invited high school and middle school band directors to encourage their trumpeters to come and have a phenomenal evening,” Middlebrooks said.
The concert is set to begin at 6 p.m., and there will be no charge for entry.
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 1
WHERE: Hopewell Baptist Church, 6001 S. County Road 39
CONTACT: (813) 737-3053
COST: Free