Rob Zappulla

Rob Zappulla and his 10-piece orchestra celebrate the music of Herb Alpert and Sergio Mendes at the Historic Claremont Opera House. Not many vocalists/trumpeters have performed with one of the most popular big bands of all time – The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. From 2001 to 2009, Rob was the featured vocalist for this renowned big band under the direction of the legendary Buddy Morrow. The affiliation took this great singer on tour with the Orchestra around the globe and to performing at the 2005 President’s Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C. At the age of 13, Rob began his studies with the principal trumpet player of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Ronald Kutik, at University of Hartford’s Hartt School of Music. Rob later studied with the notable trumpet players and educators, Bob McCoy and Jon Faddis. Rob has worked as a trumpeter with show bands and artists such as the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, The Box Tops, Lesley Gore, Willie Ruff & Dwike Mitchell, Deana Martin, Bobby Rydell and many others. He also toured with several groups opening for Tower of Power, The Temptations, Patti Austin, The Count Basie Orchestra, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, The Drifters, Tiny Tim, Bobby Vinton, Shirley Alston Reeves of The Shirelles, Little Anthony and the Imperials, and more. Rob’s additional experience as a theater pit orchestra musician and musical director brought him to start his own big band in 1994 - “Rob Zappulla Big Band Jazz Ensemble”. Rob’s incredible voice, superb trumpet playing, extraordinary style and showmanship continue to bring him tremendous accolades as he performs to sold-out audiences of all ages throughout the world.