Martin Scheel, born in 1967 in
Kiel, started classical piano lessons at the age of 6. His education in music
theory was extensively supported by his parents. Inspired by his father's involvement
with the local brass ensemble, his interests turned to classical brass instruments
in church music while still a teenager. In 1980, Martin became a member of the
Badisches Posaunenwerk, one of the largest constituents of the Lutheran Association
of Brass Ensembles. Here he received solid training as a tubist and later as
a choir leader. Until the late 1980's, Martin worked for the Posaunenwerk as
a teacher for young brass players in practice and in music theory. During this
time he was already playing as the first tubist in the Cologne Youth Symphony.
His interest in the music of New Orleans was wakened in 1983, again by his father,
who took Martin along to the rehearsals for his jazz band. A stay of many years
in the United States also contributed to Martin's internalization of the musical
way of life of hot jazz and blues. Martin Scheel was soon an oft-requested tubist
and sousaphonist in many jazz bands.In 1993 he received a fixed engagement with the Oklahoma Washboard Stompers.