Cicowicz

Vincent Cicowicz lived from 1927 through 2006. He was a trumpeter that had a devotion for music so large, it spread his music into northwestern classrooms and even, across the world. Cichowicz was 79 when he died from what “ Genriq, “Genie”, Murphy believes to be colon cancer. He played trumpet for the CSO (Chicago Symphony Orchestra) from 1952 through 1974. Cicowicz was second to fellow trumpeter, Adolph Herseth, who helped Cicowicz get acknowledged for admission into the CSO in 1952. Herseth says it’s Cicowicz’s dedication to music that made him such an outstanding player. In the later 1950s, he joined the faculty at Northwestern. It’s said he made his greatest mark as a professor, When he left the CSO permanently, to commit to teaching in Northwestern in 1974, he remained there until he retired sometime in the 1990s.
Cicowicz was a brilliant teacher. Charles Geyer, a former student of Mr. Cicowicz exclaimed, “He gave the utmost confidence that what he was teaching would be successful…He was able to propel everyone to the next level.” Babara Butler, another student of his who is also married to Charles Geyer, remarks that Mr. Cicowicz would tell his students to “Flow the air,” and “Release, not push,” showing that he was not only supportive, but also an easygoing and very helpful teacher who connected with his student.

Reflection:
It was interesting to read about Vincent Cichowicz. From what I’ve read, not only was he a brilliant musician but also an outstanding teacher. His dedication to music his entire life is very admirable. My music lesson teacher, Dr. Sampson, speaks highly of him. Not surprisingly, Dr. Sampson has given us excerpts of Cichowicz’s book years “Trumpet Flow Studies”. Dr. Sampson always tells and us that doing the exercises routinely will help our range and embouchure grow. I think these exercises prepared by Cichowicz very much do work in helping musicians become more advanced.