Bell Thompson

Biography

Bell Thompson is a trumpet player and composer originally from Seattle, WA, currently based in New York City. Bell’s playing celebrates the jazz tradition of swing and hard bop, while showcasing her vibrant tone and exciting sense of melody.

Bell has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Bruce Barth, Jaleel Shaw, and Steve Tressler, and has also performed with the 8-Bit Big Band, and Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra. She has performed at venues including Chris’ Jazz Café, Seattle Jazz Fellowship, Close Up NYC, and festivals including Panama Jazz Festival, Washington (DC) Women in Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, and Jazz a Vienne, among others.

Bell pursued her undergraduate studies in Jazz Studies Performance at Temple University in Philadelphia, where she studied with Terell Stafford and Joe Magnarelli. She then went on to study at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute Master’s Program, under the guidance of GRAMMY award-winning pianist Danilo Perez.

Bell is a 2025 recipient of the Temple University 30 Under 30 Award as an Arts and Culture Visionary, and is a 2025 awardee for the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Academy led by artistic director Christian McBride.