Trumpet Students to Participate in National Performances
Trumpet Ensemble members headed to NTC are (from left) Carlos Mejia, Grady Fields, Rebecca Wertenberger, Blake White, Jonathan Dunlap and Cody Daughertee.
JONESBORO – Trumpet students of Dr. Nairam Simoes, assistant professor of music, have been invited to participate in two peer-reviewed and juried national performances.
Six students advanced to the quarterfinals of the small trumpet ensemble division of the National Trumpet Competition (NTC) at the University of Delaware, starting March 31.
In addition, 11 students were selected to perform in May at the International Trumpet Guild Conference in San Antonio.
The competition in Delaware, the largest of its kind, attracts students from the top music programs in the country.
“By advancing, these students have shown what we hope for from our students -- that hard work, dedication to your chosen craft/major, and a desire to constantly improve pays off,” Simoes noted. “Only 40 ensembles were selected to advance.”
The ensemble students who advanced to the NTC are Blake White of Tullahoma, Tenn., Cody Daughertee of Poplar Bluff, Mo., Jonathan Dunlap of Springdale, Grady Fields of Southside, Carlos Mejia of Springdale, and Becca Wertenberger of Bryant.
Nearly 100 artist faculty members from universities and symphony orchestras around the nation have donated their time and talent to judge the competition entrants.
The 46th annual International Trumpet Guild Conference in San Antonio will begin May 31.
“Students were selected and invited to perform in the ‘Trumpet Prelude’ event,” Simoes explained. “This is a wonderful opportunity for students to perform on an international stage for an audience of their peers and musical heroes.”
Those selected for the San Antonio appearance are Audrey Alpha of Olive Branch, Miss., Chase Bowman of Springdale, Brody King of Nashville, Ark., Jodie Seaborn of Jonesboro and Ethan Williamson of Nederland, Texas, along with the six students who will compete in Delaware.
