Prof. Richard Hammergren

Richard Hammergren is a native of Cochrane, WI. He attended Winona State University for two years and went on to receive his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis).  In 1961, Mr. Hammergren was hired to play lead trumpet with the Grammy-winning Si Zentner Orchestra, and in 1962 was voted best lead trumpet on a national big band recording (The Wonderful World of Si Zentner, Liberty Records) by N.A.R.A.S. 

Mr. Hammergren moved to Los Angeles in the mid-60’s, where he maintained a busy schedule playing regularly for motion pictures, TV specials and varied studio recording.  His trumpet can be heard on soundtracks for Out of Africa, The Sting, True Lies, An American Tale, and many others.  He also worked the Easter Seals Telethons for 8 years, the Academy Awards for 6 years, and the Jerry Lewis Telethon for 4 years.  In 1964, Mr. Hammergren signed on with the CBS staff orchestra and became the first trumpet and assistant musical director of the Emmy-winning Dinah Shore television series, which aired from 1964-1980.