Baker Artist Portfolios

Erin Connelly is a Baltimore-based trumpet player, improviser, and educator.  

Early on, Erin was inspired by the beauty, vulnerability, and romance in the music of trumpeter, Chet Baker. The poignant lyricism in his trumpet playing compelled her to pursue the trumpet as a vehicle for self-expression.

As an improviser, Erin embodies a warm, lyrical, and sensitive approach to the trumpet.  With a dark, round, and nuanced sound, her compassionate sensibilities cultivate space in which layers of music may unfold around her.  This approach allows Erin to create and deliver stories through her music, encompassing the sonic forces around her into her narrative tapestry.

Erin holds a B.M. in Jazz Trumpet Performance from Towson University in Maryland and has studied under many acclaimed trumpet players including Daniel Patrylak, Dave Ballou, Russ Johnson, Claudio Roditi, and Brent Madsen.

Erin co-leads Yellow Dwelling, a two-horn duo project with Baltimore saxophonist Derrick Michaels.  The pair's music is emotionally exposed and challenges the roles of each instrument and musician in the ensemble.  In addition to this project, her group, the Erin Connelly Quartet, is releasing their debut album, Fruitful, in March 2023.  

Erin has performed with the Out of Your Head Collective, Derrick Michaels's ensembles, the Creative Music Consortium, Interstella LIVE LIVE LIVE (a 14-piece daft punk cover band), Brad Linde ensembles, Dan Deacon, Jeff Cosgrove, Tony Martucci, and more.  Erin has also performed in acclaimed venues including An Die Musik, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Windup Space, Atlas Performing Arts Center, and more.