Meet Ariel Shrum

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Shrum.

Ariel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started playing the trumpet at age nine and very quickly fell in love with jazz and improvisation. I went to a high school with a strong music program, and then onto Berklee College of Music graduating with a bachelors degree in Jazz Performance. Soon after moving to LA, I was introduced to Louis Futon, an electronic music artist and began touring with him as his trumpet player. Some notable venues we’ve played at are The Hollywood Paladium, The Brooklyn Steel, and the legendary Red Rocks venue in Colorado. Apart from performing, I work as a studio musician, recording for many artists and am becoming known for my work in the electronic music scene.

Aside from music, I am also a professional magician. I’ve been practicing and performing close up magic since the age of 15. I used to practice 7-8 hours a day teaching myself the inner working of sleight of hand magic. Now a seasoned professional, I work weekly at clubs in LA and perform at private parties. I also create my own magic tricks and sell them to other magicians through online magic shops. As there are many similarities in both magic and music, I found a unique way to combine both of my passions. I created a magic and music show which premiered at the Black Rabbit Rose in Hollywood. The show is both a magic show and a concert at the same time. Imagine my shirt changing to another shirt while I’m playing the trumpet. This is a small example of some of the things featured in my show. Aside from performing I also work as a music teacher, teaching both trumpet and piano lessons.

I’ve also recently joined a music therapy organization called Umoja Global. (which means unity in Swahili) Umoja promotes sustainable music therapy in underserved parts of the world with a focus on women’s empowerment. In the past five years, they have served communities in Kenya and Uganda by providing direct services, education, and outreach and have cultivated partnerships. They also have created a network of local musicians, Health care providers, teachers, and community members alike. This summer I will be joining them in East Africa and will be working in schools, hospitals, safe houses, and community centers. Our goal is to leave these communities with therapeutic tools and techniques that they can continue to work with and practice for the rest of their lives. I am excited to contribute my skills to share and teach magic and music. Ultimately I want to use these arts as tools to provide and promote levity and joy in these communities. Upon my return, I will be jumping back into my performances with Louis Futon as we are preparing for our 2nd performance at Red Rocks as direct support for the electronic artist, GRIZ.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Sometimes the biggest growth can come from the most unexpected and disappointing situations. During my high school years, I spent my free time playing in an original music band with friends. After graduating high school, we all went onto Berklee College of Music and continued playing in the band. At this point, we were all taking it very seriously, and the band began to grow. This band has now broken up, however there was a time when I was kicked out of it, and I remember thinking that everything I was working towards had completely collapsed. It was the feeling of hitting rock bottom concerning my musical dreams/career. Although this was an incredibly tough time, it allowed me to grow and become more independent as a person and ultimately allowed me to find my own musical identity. Aside from that, it’s been pretty smooth. It’s a wonderful feeling to see your hard work and years of practice paying off.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career was getting to play at the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado on September 2018. With Louis Futon. It’s one of the most beautiful and iconic venues in the world. Also, every major artist in history has at one point played on this stage, so having this opportunity was a dream come true!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arielshrumpet/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arielshrummusic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/arielshrumpet

 
Image Credit:
Jake Southard (all except 1), Thomas Lynch (flower photo)

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