Sophie Manoloff is a recent graduate of NYU’s Program in Brass Studies (BM ’21) and a professional trumpet player. She spoke about touring with Broadway’s Fiddler on the Roof, appearing in a Harry Styles video, and a surprise performance while an NYU student.
You’ve been on tour with Broadway’s Fiddler on the Roof. How is it going?
I got an offer for the Broadway tour of Fiddler before graduation in 2021 and have been on the road since. I've played 270 shows and by the time the run is over I'll play almost 500. It's a solo trumpet part, and you can hear me.
It's been my dream job for as long as I can remember. Tour life is a great way to see the country. We don't generally work until evenings, and have weekdays to explore a city. Then we perform for thousands of people, go to the next place, and do it again.
Fiddler had a summer hiatus, which I spent subbing The Music Man on Broadway. I'm accomplishing things that I didn't think I'd get to until I was in my thirties, I’m very grateful.
What are your plans post Fiddler?
A lot of a musician's job potential is based on networking, so I hope the phone continues to ring! I’m on sub-lists for shows in New York. I also play in churches, jazz clubs, funk and rock shows, and quintet chamber groups. Another dream of mine is to have a chair on Broadway. It’ll take a lot of experience, but I want to get there.
I have an exciting gig coming up; I'm playing the Broadway concert of Ragtime. They do a one-night-only revival concert twice a year, and they're bringing back much of the original cast.
You were in Harry Styles’ video “Music for a Sushi Restaurant.” How did you make that happen?
This was one of my favorite, but weirdest gigs. The casting team was looking for a female trumpet player based in New York, and they reached out to me through my work Instagram.
I submitted my first self-tape, and was chosen. They picked three women for the video: a saxophone player, a trombone player, and me. I loved that they were hiring women.
We were in shrimp masks and grandpa suits, which was interesting. The masks were not comfortable whatsoever, but Harry was checking in on us. It was a wild, fun day and I worked closely with everyone on set. Harry was very, very nice.
Why did you choose trumpet?
When I was a kid, we took a yearly trip to New York. We'd see Birdland Big Band play and I would stay to speak to the lead trumpet player, Glenn Drewes. He’s been my hero for decades.
I would ask why there weren't girls in brass, and he told me I should be the first! Thus, I started playing trumpet. I’d check in with him as I started lessons. I’m not sure if he actually remembered me, but he would encourage me to keep practicing.
One of the coolest full-circle moments happened during my NYU Broadway Orchestra, which was my favorite class. It's a very unique course only NYU offers. They have resources to bring in Broadway conductors, singers, and musicians. Every Thursday, you perform a Broadway show with professionals who will coach, scout, and play with you.
One day Glenn Drewes was in the chair next to mine. I got to perform lead trumpet on City of Angels with him which was surreal. He loved when I pulled up pictures of us from when I was a kid. It was my favorite day of college.
Biggest accomplishments at NYU?
When I first got to school, we had a blind audition and I won first chair. Because of this audition, which I worked my butt off for, I was able to play lead on everything throughout college.
I also played in the Contemporary Music Ensemble. Director of Percussion Jonathan Haas oversaw our performances, and I’d heard his standards were high. I pulled an all-nighter before the first rehearsal to learn a complex piece and showed up very prepared.
There was a man narrating the piece (which was part of the program). He turned out to be John Miller, who’s a Broadway contractor and my very good friend now. After the rehearsal he asked if I could go on the road to tour. I’m still amazed this happened during my first few months at NYU. I don't think it would have happened anywhere else.
Advice for people considering Brass Studies?
Take advantage of what comes your way (check yes to everything as long as you're getting sleep!). Do the Broadway Orchestra class if you can.
You’ll figure out what styles of playing you like by trying everything. I initially thought I’d work in a classical orchestra, but found I love playing Broadway and freelancing.
Take full advantage of what the school has to offer, including the professors. They're well connected, and will get you connected. NYU can be a wonderful launching pad for working in the city. It won’t be a traditional campus experience, but you get to live in the most happening city in the world. I wouldn’t trade my four years for anything.
