McNeal Anderson — 3rd Trumpet
McNeal Anderson is the third trumpet player for Pablo Antonio y La Firma, a native of Washington, D.C. He first became interested in playing the trumpet at the age of twelve, though it would be a few years later before he was truly able to begin his journey toward becoming a musician.
Musical Background
McNeal studied music under his middle school teacher, a trumpeter, for three years — learning and performing in the school band. He furthered his early development by attending Saturday lessons through the D.C. Orchestra Program. He continued his studies in high school under his next teacher, Mr. P.D. Ford, an active performer at local theaters in Washington, D.C. After graduating high school, McNeal went on to college, majoring in Music Education.
McNeal then studied trumpet under Professor Langston Fitzgerald, who performed with the Baltimore Symphonic Orchestra. By this point in his development, McNeal was performing with local groups in Washington, D.C. One of those groups, Transit Band, was selected in 1971 to travel to Montreal, Canada, to perform at the 1971 Expo, representing rhythm and blues music.
In the mid-1970s, McNeal was introduced to Latin music and fell in love with the genre. He performed with salsa bands while also performing behind several Motown singing groups, including The Temptations, The Four Tops, and The Dells. He later met singer Millie Jackson and became a member of her band. Having always said he wanted to be an international performer, that dream became reality with her — touring South Africa, Germany, the UK, jazz festivals in the Netherlands, and wine festivals in Italy, Finland, and Dublin, among others.
With Pablo Antonio y La Firma
Throughout his international touring career, McNeal maintained his connection to his love of Latin music — which is where he met Pablo Antonio y La Firma. In 1999, he became the band’s first trumpet player, a role that has continued to thrive through the present day.
Meet Pablo Antonio y La Firma
McNeal is part of the full live ensemble of Pablo Antonio y La Firma, the most recognized tropical Latin band in the DMV area since 1999. To book us for your wedding, quinceañera, festival or corporate event:
Get to Know McNeal — Interview Coming Soon
What would you ask McNeal if you could? We’ll soon be publishing an exclusive interview where he shares his story, his musical journey, and what it means to be part of Pablo Antonio y La Firma.
Have a question for McNeal? Let us know on our social media.