Trumpets

John Wilson - Lead Trumpet
SJO Member 2016

John has played trumpet in a variety of musical settings from several U.S. Army Bands to Symphonic and Opera Orchestras; from Brass and Wind Ensembles to Jazz Combos and Big Bands. He holds a Masters in Jazz Studies from GSU is currently teaching general music for the Cobb County School District.
His most influential jazz teachers include the late Bobby Burgess (trombone) and Bob Shaw (guitar), and his still living, high school band director, Marion Reithel whose collection of "78s" and a week at a Stan Kenton Camp started a lifetime of big band jazz listening.

 Rob Sayer - Trumpet
SJO Member Since 2013

Rob Sayer is originally from NJ and NY and moved to Atlanta in 1992.  He’s the founder and director of The Music Class, an early childhood music education program enjoyed by over 40,000 families worldwide.  When not singing and dancing with toddlers, he enjoys playing the trumpet.  In high school he studied at The Juilliard School Pre-College Division and then went on to get his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from The Manhattan School of Music.  He’s had the opportunity to perform with assorted groups including The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Atlanta Symphony Brass Quintet, the Cobb Symphony Orchestra, the Natal Philharmonic Orchestra in South Africa, and in the pit for shows both on Broadway and off.  Despite the classical resume, Rob’s first love is jazz and he’s delighted to be swinging with the SJO.

Herb Kraft - Trumpet
SJO Member Since 2017

Herb began playing trumpet at age nine in 1950. From 1957 through 1959, he was a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performing with such classical greats as Maria Callas and Van Cliburn, as well as under the baton of guest conductor Arthur Fielder.

He played various musical styles over the years with such artists as James Brown, Liberace and Engelbert Humperdinck. He was also in the pit for touring Broadway shows starring Lauren Bacall, Ray Bolger, and Ann Miller. Herb also played onstage herald trumpet with the New York Metropolitan Opera production of Aida, performed at the Atlanta Civic Center.

Herb appeared at Carnegie Hall with Annie Moses Band. He also performed with Atlanta gig band The Singers and Singers as well as with Athens rock bands Three Foot Swagger and Hayride. He soloed on the "Pleasance" track of Hayride's Capricorn recording project "Elfin Magic".
More recently he released a solo CD, "Dear God," and has performed short mission trips to Europe with Beverly Minor and Prayz, The Sons of Jubal, Jubalheirs, and Jubal Brass. He currently plays with the Social Circle First Baptist Orchestra.

In addition to his trumpet playing, he has completed twenty-five consecutive Peachtree Road Races, was Georgia high school champion in long jump and high jump, and worked with Oxford Industries for thirty-five years. He retired as VP of Human Resources in 2002.

In his spare time, he enjoys his three children and four grandchildren.

Stan Kramer - Trumpet
SJO Member Since 2012

Bio coming soon.