A Trumpet Legend Gets His Start With The West Point Band

Please note - the date in the intro is incorrect - this was recorded on August 9, 2025. Legendary trumpet virtuoso Malcolm McNabb, who has been featured as a soloist in numerous television and movie scores, including developing the two-note theme for Jaws, got his start playing in the West Point Band from 1963 to 1967. He was born in March 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio, but grew up around Los Angeles, where his parents built a house. His father, Boyd, who was raised in an orphanage, worked as a projectionist, and was Malcolm’s first music teacher. His mother was a clerk typist for the board of education. Malcolm’s brother Dennis was four years younger and he later died of Agent Orange related illnesses. He remembers being inspired by the trumpet playing in “From Here to Eternity,” especially Manny Kline’s (uncredited) rendition of Taps. Malcolm got his start playing a $10 trumpet that his father had only paid $2 for, but his father predicted that he would never be able to support himself playing the instrument. Malcolm began working weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and other events to earn money. In the late 60’s Malcolm bought his father a Cadillac to prove that he could support himself as a musician. Walter Laursen of the Pasadena Symphony was another one of his musical inspirations. Malcolm had won $100 worth of $5 music lessons from Laursen. At age 14, Malcolm began playing with the Pasadena Symphony, and at 15, in 1958, he began playing with the Young Musicians Foundation Debut Orchestra. Under Dr. Richard Lert, he became the Principal Trumpet and played the Brandenberg Concerto. Later he studied under James Stamp, who was in the Salvation Army. He also toured with the San Francisco Ballet. After graduating from the Mark Kepel High School in Alhambra, California, he attended the Pasadena City College. In 1964, he joined the Army and was assigned to the West Point Band, where he served until 1967. After leaving the Army, Malcolm returned to California, where he began amassing a tremendous body of work in over 2000 soundtracks and commercials. He developed a close relationship with John Williams and was the lead trumpet in 46 pictures for the composer, including Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park. In addition to playing for movies, TV, and commercials, Malcolm has taught around the world in locations like China and Japan, noting that he really enjoys teaching kids. He is also the piper for the McNab Clan in Scotland. Throughout the interview, he highlights performers he’s worked with through the years, and memorable events that he’s played. Reflecting on his time with the West Point Band, he states that it taught him discipline, and how to do the right thing.