I was born on May 20th, 1980 in Noblesville, IN, to Roy and Dawn Castle. I was the third and final child to be born in our family, so quite obviously, I am the charm.
My family moved to Phoenix, AZ when I was only 4 years old for my parents to be administrator and supervisor of Gospel Center School, where I attended through High School.
When I was 10 years old, my parents asked me what instrument I thought I might like to play. Without any hesitation, I said, "Trumpet". I don't remember the first time I realized that I wanted to play the trumpet, I can only say that I have always wanted to play the trumpet.
I began playing the cornet when I was 11 years old. I can remember that old Holten cornet very well. Hence began my musical "life".
My first trumpet teacher is a man to whom I am greatly indebted. Gary Moss was, and is, one of the dearest friends any person could ever have. He was the band director of Grace Christian School and also the Director of the Summer Youth Music Program at North Phoenix Baptist Church.
Some of my accomplishments in High School include:
Arizona All-Region Band 1995
Arizona All-Region Orchestra, 2nd Chair 1996
2nd Place Brass Solo, A.C.E. International Student Convention 1996
Arizona All-Region Orchestra, 1st Chair 1997
Arizona All-State Band, 1st Chair 1997
3rd Place Brass Solo, A.C.E. International Student Convention 1997
After High School, I attended a couple of different Bible Colleges, of note Union Bible College, where I studied Sacred Music under Jerald Glick, Music Department Chairman, and Trumpet Performance under Marvin Perry, Professor of Trumpet, Butler Univ. and Principal Trumpet, Indianapolis Symphony.
Since returning home from college in 2001, I have married the most wonderful young lady in the world, Janette (Hughes). Together, we have seven little wonders, Christopher Leighton, Blake Austin, Lillian Renae, Kaylee Anette, Melissa Mae, Emma Jane and Trinity Joseph (TJ). For more updates on the Castle family please check my wife's blog.
I have previously played trumpet in the Anderson Symphony Orchestra as well as the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra. I also played frequently at the Owensoboro Symphony Orchestra, Marion Philharmonic Orchestra and Danville Symphony Orchestra.
I am currently serving as the Principal Trumpet for the North Valley Symphony Orchestra in Phoenix, AZ