Interview with Mark Gould

Josh: These days, where does your musical inspiration come from? Do you ever struggle with inspiration or does it come naturally?

Mark: Inspiration is not the issue anymore. Sitting down everyday and looking at a blank page with patience and diligence is what is difficult. With regard to trumpet playing...I still enjoy practicing a little every day. I'm still figuring things out about the 'iron monster'.

Josh: Who is your favorite entertainer? and Why?

Mark: I don't have a favorite entertainer. I have favorite authors, films and pieces of music but not entertainers. Upon further thought...I would say Judy Garland.

Josh: Would you be the same person you are today if you never touched a trumpet?

Mark: I cannot remember not playing the trumpet. I have been playing for over 50 years. I would absolutely not be the same person I am today without my instrument. I would probably be in jail now without the trumpet.

Josh: Can you tell a good Met story?

Mark: My first year at the MET in 1974, in a run of performances of 'Elektra', (I was playing 5th trumpet) Mel Broiles used to hold the high concert 'D' in the 'recognition' scene so long and so loud, he used to black out or white out. The 3d trumpet player, Harry Peers, used to rub Mel's shoulder after this note to wake him up and get him ready for the next entrance. I remember hearing Harry whispering the countdown to the next entrance as Mel slowly revived, his head bobbing slowly, his eyes again beginning to focus. He 'woke up' just in time for the next big toot.
When I asked him about this passage, Mel told me, "men die in battle to the sound of the trumpet", and then walked away. WOW!! There will never be another Mel Broiles.