Wilmington born trumpeter Gerald Chavis has appeared as both a sideman and bandleader for over 30 years.  He currently performs regularly with his own ensemble, with Philadelphia-based society dance orchestras, and many church organizations in the Wilmington-Philadelphia area.  His credits include performing and/or recording with such national acts as Mick Jagger, Phyliss Hyman, Donald Byrd, The Temptations, The Dells, and The Spinners, as well as local Delaware organizations including Opera Delaware, Christina Cultural Arts Center, and others.  In addition, Gerald spends much time in the recording studio as both a performer and producer for other local musicians.

Chavis attended Florida A&M University where he studied both classical and jazz trumpet.  However, he earned his real musical education by studying with renowned jazz teacher Robert “Boysie” Lowery, who is best known as the teacher of Clifford Brown and Ernie Watts, among others. 

Chavis’ accomplishments include being named “Best Jazz Artist” in 1994 by the Delaware Valley Reader’s Music Poll for the release of his second CD entitled It’s A ‘G’ Thang; winning a 1994 Individual Artist Fellowship Award from the Delaware State Division of the Arts; and participating in a number of panels and committees for the support and development of jazz.  In 2011, Chavis was invited by the City of Wilmington’s Sister Cities project to perform in the Olevano, Italy International Jazz Festival as part of a cultural exchange between the two cities.

In addition to the hard-hitting, ever-expressive Gerald Chavis Quintet (GCQ), Gerald is an active member of smooth jazz ensemble Point Blank whose 2010 album made it inside the top 20 on the national charts.  Chavis also serves as a staff musician at St. Paul’s Baptist Church in West Chester, Pennsylvania. 

Additionally, Gerald Chavis has devoted much of his life to teaching music.  He and his quintet have performed, taught master classes, and conducted seminars in public and private schools in Delaware and surrounding states for over 30 years.  He has also conducted student ensembles and taught summer jazz camps.  Chavis currently continues to maintain an active studio of trumpet students, as well as those studying jazz in general.  In 2014 Gerald will be one of the coaches working with the acclaimed Wilmington Youth Jazz Band.