Music will be in the air at the Faculty Artist Series Sunday. The event will feature Andrew Cheetham, a professor of trumpet at Eastern.

Cheetham said he is looking forward to the recital because it is an opportunity to show what he does as a classical and jazz trumpeter.

“Playing music for people is a privilege that not many of us have, so I look at it as a chance to make a connection with my audience,” Cheetham said.

Cheetham also said his favorite piece is called “Little Samantha,” which he wrote.

“This piece has been in the works for a few years and was written for my daughter,” Cheetham said. “It uses some of my favorite chord progressions and styles and reflects her natural curiosity and energy.”

Other than “Little Samantha,” Cheetham will be performing “Concertino” by Georges Delerue, “Contraptions”, a nine movement piece written by John Cheetham, Andrew’s father, “Concerto” by Edward Gregson, “Circle,” also written by Andrew, “Giant Steps,” by John Coltrane, “Stella by Starlight,” by Victor Young, and a piece by Paul Johnston, coordinator of the EIU Jazz Combo Program.

Evan Fowler, a junior music education major, said he is looking forward to the event.

“We have many excellent performers on faculty here and any chance to get out and hear them play is great,” Fowler said.

Cheetham has been playing trumpet for 25 years. He obtained his doctorate degree from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY.

Cheetham said he likes teaching at the college level more than in the public school system because college students are more like adults.

“My goal is to teach them to be musicians to the point where they don’t need me, where they are self-sufficient, self-correcting, and self-editing as they practice and perform,” Cheetham said. “I’m trying to teach them how to become critical thinkers as they play music.”

Cheetham said he also believes in goal-oriented teaching. He said he wants his students to always be preparing so they do not get stuck when they do not have a goal.

Fowler said his lessons are a lot of hard work, but he has fun and feels rewarded when he plays.

“Dr. Cheetham pushes me a lot more than previous teachers have, which encourages me to work harder and become a better player,” Fowler said.

Kent Conrad and Paul Johnston will accompany Cheetham on piano.

The Faculty Artist Series featuring Cheetham will be at 4 p.m. Sunday in the Doudna Fine Arts Center Recital Hall. The event is free.

Kacie Berry can be reached at 581-7944 or [email protected].