Baylor Music Students Named as Finalist in International Series of Competitions

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WACO, Texas (May 1, 2013) - In a series of competitions that drew musicians from around the world, three Baylor students have been named finalists of the International Trombone Association's Solo & Ensemble Competitions. The students will perform at this year's International Trombone Festival June 26-29, where winners will be announced.

Representing Baylor are Jared Dickerson, Christian Paarup and John Romero. These students competed in different competitions as part of the ITA event. Dickerson, a sophomore from Grapevine, Texas, was named a finalist in the Gilberto Gagliardi Tenor Trombone Competition. Paarup is senior student and native of Azle, Texas, and was named a finalist in the Frank Smith Tenor Trombone Competition. Romero, a junior from Longview, Texas, was named a finalist in the Robert Marsteller Tenor Trombone Competition.

Baylor had the second highest number of finalists in the competition, only exceeded by DePaul University with one additional student musician. Baylor's finalists are all students in the studio of Brent Phillips, assistant professor of instrumental studies in the School of Music at Baylor.

"The Baylor trombone studio has produced finalists and winners of the ITA Competition in the past, but for three finalists in an international field to emerge from a studio of 14 or so mostly undergraduate trombone students is truly extraordinary...can you hear the buttons popping off this dean's jacket?," said William V. May Jr., Ph.D., dean of Baylor's School of Music.

"It is a tribute to these hard working students, Professor Brent Phillips, the entire brass instrument area, which our trumpet ensembles were also national champions and indeed our entire School of Music that functions as a nurturing village for all our students," May said. "I couldn't be prouder!"

In March, an ensemble of six Baylor students won the national championship of the trumpet world at the National Trumpet Competition at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va. This was the second national title in three years for Baylor's School of Music.

To learn more about the School of Music at Baylor University, click here.
by Brent Salter, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.

ABOUT THE BAYLOR SCHOOL OF MUSIC
The Baylor University School of Music provides transformational experiences that prepare students for careers in music. Students thrive in a Christian environment characterized by a nurturing resident faculty, an unwavering pursuit of musical excellence, a global perspective, dedication to service, and devotion to faith. They investigate the rich musical and cultural heritage of the past, develop superior musical skills and knowledge in the present, and explore and create new modes of musical expression for the future. While preparing for future leadership roles, students join with School of Music faculty in enhancing the quality of community life, enriching the larger culture, and making Baylor a place in which heart, mind and soul coalesce.

The School of Music of Baylor University is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the Texas Association of Music Schools. Degree programs leading to the bachelor of music education degree conform to certification requirements of the Texas Education Agency.