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Carl Eitzen, trumpet

Carl Eitzen is a native of San Diego, CA and is a member of the United States Air Force Heartland of America Band. He currently holds the position of  3rd Trumpet with the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra and performs regularly with the Omaha Symphony Orchestra.  He is former principal trumpet of the Las Colinas, Garland and Arlington Symphonies in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metro area.  Carl has performed with other noted ensembles such as the, Dallas Symphony, Los Angeles Opera Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony, San Diego Chamber Orchestra, and Lincoln Symphony.  Carl has been musical director, show band leader and played Lead Trumpet aboard several ships for Carnival Cruise Lines. 

As a soloist, Carl has been featured with the Heartland of America Band at the Grand Teton Music Festival and the Holland Performing Arts Center Opening Gala concerts in 2005, USAF Brass in Blue, University of Arizona Wind Ensemble and UCLA Symphonic Band.  He has also performed many recitals and conducted brass clinics throughout the Midwest and Southern California. 

Carl’s earliest music training on the trumpet came from his father, John Eitzen, while attending the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts.  He received his formal music education from the University of Arizona and University of California at Los Angeles where he earned his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees, respectively.  Carl’s primary teachers include Jens Lindemann- international trumpet soloist and former member of the Canadian Brass, Keith Johnson- Regents Professor of Music at the University of North Texas and Edward Reid- former Principal Trumpet of the Tucson Symphony and Professor of Trumpet at the University of Arizona.

Carl resides in Papillion with his wife, Jennifer, daughter, Claire and son, William.  When not performing music, Carl enjoys spending time with his family, and is an avid CrossFitter and Olympic weightlifter.