Baylor Trumpeters Blow Away National Competition

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WACO, Texas (March 22, 2013) - Eleven trumpeters from the Baylor University Trumpet Studio in the School of Music contributed to the trumpet world's version of March Madness - with one Baylor ensemble eventually being crowned National Champion - at the National Trumpet Competition held March 14-17 at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.
Two Baylor student ensembles - "Baylor Gold" with Taylor Williamson, Drew Fremder, Ben Hauser, Erika Izaguirre, David Sayers and Manuel Munoz, and "Baylor Green" with Tyler Brinkman, Regan O'Connor, Daniel Gerona, Brent Smith and Kelsie Dunham - competed against 28 other groups in the semi-finals. Both "Baylor Gold" and "Baylor Green" groups then advanced to the field of six for the finals.
"Baylor Gold" went on to win the competition, placing ahead of finalists Northwestern University, California State-Long Beach and Ithaca College of New York. In addition to the trumpet ensemble competition, graduate student Erika Izaguirre, junior Ben Hauser and freshman Brent Smith participated in the semi-finals of their respective solo divisions.
"Baylor Green" performed "Profiles" and "Baylor Gold" performed "1849", the original music by Fisher Tull and Paolo Longinotti respectively. Both works, composed for a single trumpet, were expanded and arranged by junior Taylor Williamson ("Profiles") and Trumpet Professor Wiff Rudd ("1849") for ensembles of five and six members.
"The creativity and quality of those arrangements went a long way towards showcasing the musicianship of the trumpet studio," said Mark Schubert, part-timer lecturer in trumpet studies in the School of Music.
This is the second time in three years that Baylor has won the national competition.
"It says something about the depth of quality in the trumpet studio when 11 of the 15 enrolled compete on a national level and get to the final field two out of the last three years," Schubert added.
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 BAYLOR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC
The Baylor University School of Music provides transformational experiences that prepare students for careers in music. Our 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, the 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.