Music Performance can be and extremely challenging major at any University, but Travis J. Higgins, a graduate of the Department of Music at Prairie View A&M and a Marching Storm alum has taken every opportunity to establish himself as a premier Trumpet performer. Travis is currently living 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 is currently playing in The Color Purple and will also be playing in Dreamgirls later this year.

After leaving Prairie View, Travis went on to obtain his Masters Degree in Music from the prestigious School of Music at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. Since receiving his Masters degree, he is nearing completion of his Doctoral studies in Music Performance at the University of Connecticut. In addition to his educational pursuits Travis has worked on the directorial staffs of the Drum Corp International (DCI) Cadets. He is a former performer with DCI’s past champion Blue Coats Drum Corp. He 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 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. Zachery not only as a musician but as a person as well, and along with God‘s guidance, I’ve been able to have a great career doing what I love.

What was the most difficult 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 that hears your 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 to slowly get calls for gigs.

The trick is that when it comes to starting off in Broadway musicals as a pit musician, is that people that are 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 give you a call to show up to a rehearsal or show within a short amount of 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 the park, because how you perform will determine if you’ll get hired for any other shows.

How did Prairie View’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 around the field, to always harnessing your best effort at every opportunity, but most importantly, what’s 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 into playing Broadway shows, my advice is to move here to the New York/Connecticut area and take gigs as much as possible. You can also go to shows and introduce yourself to pit staff and musicians. Find ways to sustain yourself financially, and find ways to 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”.