PVAMU Marching Storm alumnus finds bright lights on Broadway

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Oct. 11, 2023) – Music performance can be an extremely challenging major at any university. Still, Travis J. Higgins ’16, a graduate of the Department of Music at Prairie View A&M University and the Marching Storm band, has taken every opportunity to establish himself as a premier trumpet performer. 

Travis lives in Connecticut, where he is being called on to play in music ensembles and show orchestras for Broadway musicals and other events in the New York City area. He currently plays in The Color Purple and will also play in Dreamgirls later this year.

After leaving PVAMU, Travis obtained a master’s degree in music from the prestigious School of Music at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Since receiving his master’s degree, he is nearing completing his doctoral studies in music performance at the University of Connecticut. 

In addition to his educational pursuits, Travis has worked on the directorial staff of the Drum Corp International (DCI) Cadets. He is a former performer with DCI’s past champion, Blue Coats Drum Corp and has been instrumental in recruiting more HBCU marching band members to DCI units and competitions.

We asked Travis a few questions about his educational pursuits and current work on Broadway.

When did you know you wanted to perform professionally as a trumpet player?

I knew that I wanted to be involved in music since childhood, but I decided to be a pro trumpet player while I was in the middle of my studies at Prairie View. I was heavily influenced by my trumpet instructor and band Director, Dr. [Timmey] Zachery, not only as a musician but as a person. Along with God’s guidance, I’ve been able to have a great career doing what I love.

What was the most challenging part about breaking into playing for Broadway musicals?

The hardest thing about breaking into the scene is no one knows you. You have to demonstrate your skills at other gigs before you stumble upon someone who hears you playing and wants to give you a shot in the pit. That’s strictly how it works, and thanks to Covid, it doesn’t make things any easier. I was fortunate enough to build a rapport with local musicians in Connecticut and New York while currently completing my doctorate in musical arts at UConn. That was the biggest factor in slowly getting calls for gigs.

The trick is that when starting in Broadway musicals as a pit musician, regulars for the show and known on the scene have to bring you in either as a sub or vouch for your skills enough to get the contract. Someone will call you to show up to a rehearsal or show within a short time to learn the part. From there, you get a copy of the show, come to the rehearsal/show and either play your part with the pit instantly or listen to the regular play it so you have an idea of how it sounds when you sub in. When you get your shot, you have to knock it out of the park because how you perform will determine if you’ll get hired for any other shows.

How did PVAMU’s Department of Music prepare you for what you’re doing now?

Prairie View’s Music Department has prepared me in a multitude of ways. From helping me be realistic about the music industry, to the politics and stereotypes that circle the field, to always harnessing your best effort at every opportunity, but most importantly, what it’s like being a Black musician/entertainer. I have always given credit to the success of my career from where I started at Prairie View’s Music Department, and had I gone anywhere else, I truly believe that I would not have been as prepared.

What advice do you have for other musicians wanting to do what you’re doing?

If you are sure about the path to playing Broadway shows, I advise moving here to the New York/Connecticut area and taking gigs as much as possible. You can also attend shows and introduce yourself to pit staff and musicians. Find ways to sustain yourself financially and make time so you can express yourself musically. And when you get the call, Be 1000% confident in your skills and perform to the highest of your ability because the rest of your success in show business depends on it. There’s a saying here that goes, “You are only as good as your last gig.”

This story originally appeared on pvamu.edu/marchingstorm.

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