About
T.A.P.P.S. was founded on January 3, 2014 to fill a need in the Las Vegas area to have a live performance of “Taps” at veteran’s funerals. Southern Nevada is home to one of the largest Veteran Populations in the country. Our Founders, trumpeters, T.A.P.P.S. Board, and volunteers are committed to honoring our veterans and their families with each performance of “Taps”.
Founders
Larry Ransom III
Larry is married and has resided in Las Vegas since 1996. He has been a professional trumpet player in the area for the last 14 years and is currently a contract member of The Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra and the Guardian Angel Cathedral Orchestra. Larry was also a member of the Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular orchestra for its tenure at The Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. Throughout his musical career, he’s been fortunate enough to work with such talents as Gladys Knight, Andrea Bocelli, Bernadette Peters, Dennis DeYoung and more. In addition, Mr. Ransom has maintained a business in Las Vegas as a financial representative with COUNTRY Financial® for the past 5 years.
Gary Cordell
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, trumpet player Gary Cordell has been on the Las Vegas music scene for over 25 years. He is a former member of The Nevada Symphony, The Nevada Chamber Orchestra, and The Nevada Opera Theater. He has been member of many of the Las Vegas Strip Orchestras including Sinatra – Dance With Me, Spamalot, Legends in Concert, The Golden Nugget Orchestra, The Guardian Angel Cathedral Orchestra, The Rat Pack, Phantom – Las Vegas, and Jersey Boys. He has performed with many top headliners including Billy Joel, Elton John, Sara MacLachlan, Sheryl Crow, Heart, Tears for Fears, Metallica, Lynyrd Skynyrd, David Foster, Natalie Cole, Johnny Mathis, Graham Nash, The Turtles, Kenny Rogers, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, Frankie Vally and many others. He has taught trumpet at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the College of Southern Nevada as well as having his own private teaching studio en Las Vegas.
Joseph Durk
Joseph Durk is native to Las Vegas and is married with 4 lovely children. He has been a professional musician in Las Vegas for over 15 years. He has worked with such organizations as Phantom the Las Vegas Spectacular, Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society, Nevada Ballet Theater and more. He is currently a tenured and contract player of the Las Vegas Philharmonic and has performed with stars such as Andrea Bocelli, Sarah Brightman, Placido Domingo and more as part of the Philharmonic.
T.A.P.P.S. Trumpeters
Daniel Johnson
Daniel Johnson has played music professionally since he was in High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Music in Education from Arizona State University and a Masters in Music in Jazz from UNLV. Dan has performed with the Phoenix Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, and as music director for many years with Pro Arts Brass. Dan has shared the stage with many performers in all genres, including Diana Krall, Dizzy Gillespie, Alicia Keyes, and Rosemary Clooney. Daniel teaches at Nevada State College and continues to play professionally in the Las Vegas area in shows such as Jersey Boys, Steve Wynn’s Showstoppers, and full time for 4 years with Human Nature. He is proud to be a part of T.A.P.P.S.
Pete Bresciani
Born and raised in Napa, CA, Pete Bresciani studied music at the Peabody Conservatory of Music before moving to Las Vegas in 1985. As a mainstay of Las Vegas scene, Pete has played for some of the largest productions shows such as Jubilee, Follies Bergere, the Lido De Paris, and Enter the Night. He has also performed with some of the biggest names in entertainment including Wayne Newton, Sammy Davis Jr., Johnny Mathis, Natalie Cole and Danny Gans.
Lance Phelps
Originally from Phoenix, Lance Phelps earned two bachelor’s degree in music (B.A., B.M.) from ASU and a graduate degree (M.M.) from U.N.L.V. Since relocating to Las Vegas he has performed with a variety of artists including Client Holmes, Frank Valli, Bobby Vinton, and Human Nature, but most frequently as a sub with The Rat Pack is Back. Further performance experience includes various musical theater pit orchestras (Cabaret, Oklahoma, etc.), cruise ship show bands, swing bands, jazz combos, jazz big bands, and salsa bands. Speaking of his involvement in T.A.P.P.S., Phelps says, “I’m grateful for the privilege of contributing to our veterans’ Last Honors ceremonies. We all understand the emotional impact a live performance of ‘Taps’ has for the family and friends of the honored. This is an important service.”
Brandon O'Donahue
Originally from Harlingen, Texas, Brandon made the move to Las Vegas in 2023. He completed his undergraduate and masters degrees in music at Texas A&M – Kingsville and is currently finishing up his DMA at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Brandon is experienced in both classical and lead/jazz trumpet playing having performed with symphonies in Texas and Nevada, as well as being lead trumpet for big bands and Leona Lewis’s “A Starry Night” residency at the Venetian. Brandon is also an avid educator in southern Nevada and has students ranging from beginner to professional.
David Diaz
I’m a third-year trumpet performance student at the UNLV School of Music currently studying under Dr. Barbara Hull. I began my formal training at Las Vegas Academy High School, where I built a strong foundation in performance and ensemble playing. Since then, I’ve continued to refine my artistry through academic study and live performance opportunities.