[2][3] She is the first woman to hold the position of principal trumpet in a major American orchestra.
[1] Slaughter grew up in McCordsville, Indiana and began playing the trumpet at 10 years old, in her school band.
[2] Other teachers of hers include Arnold Jacobs, Herbert Müeller, Bernard Adelstein, Claude Gordon, and Laurie Frink.
[6] Slaughter's first orchestral position was as principal trumpet of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra from 1967 to 1969.
[2] For four months, she alternated as co-principal with a male trumpet player, but was offered the full-time principal position at the end of the year.