Prelude Performances
David Champouillon, East Tennessee State University – Coordinator

*Denotes premiere performances.

Academia Nacional Superior de Orquestra Ensemble de Trompetes
“Modernistic tonal clusters” was the first impression received when listening to the Academia Nacional Superior de Orquestra Ensemble de Trompetes in their performance of Trumpet Ensemble by composer Emanuel Frazão. Directed by David Burt, the ensemble blended the tight chord meshes brilliantly, at times achieving perceived harmonics not present in the written tones. As the work progressed, segments of more traditional harmony mixed with the tonal clusters to produce a “mixture of thought” between old and new. An intriguing pianissimo section shifted the tonal clusters to the background while a more focused thought (smooth melody) seemed to be attempting to escape the clusters that dominated the work. The ensemble did an excellent job of expressing the necessary tension and repose that this work demanded. (Scott Freeby)

Arizona State University Trumpet Ensemble
Under the direction of David Hickman, who also served as the arranger of their prelude, the Arizona State University trumpet ensemble performed Scherzo, Op. 46 by Franz Moser. ASU energized the crowd with a sterling rendition of this high-energy work. The opening featured a repeated sixteenth-note ostinato passage that intensified to a dramatic chord, and was followed by the main theme, a triumphant melody that started in the very low register and soared upward. The ASU ensemble featured a bass trumpet, which added an expansive quality to the group’s sound. The work continued with a mysterious muted section, followed by a restatement of the opening theme. A final conducting flourish by Hickman served to bring the piece to a thunderous conclusion, and the audience responded with tremendous applause for the wonderful group of musicians. (Joe Bowman)

Bemidji State University Trumpet Ensemble
Under the direction of Del Lyren, Bemidji State University performed three works for their prelude performance. Selections included Betalenic* by Del Lyren; Tre Méndez Polka by Rafael Méndez (*arranged by Lyren); and Fanfare #3 by Patrick Riley. This student ensemble showed how lyrically expressive playing performed with singular purpose can create exquisite music. The ensemble always played with a unified sense of dynamic contrast aided by brilliantly moving articulated passages alternating nicely with their smooth and clearly tapered phrase work. A highlight of their performance was the multiple cascading descending runs in the program’s opener. Bobby Shew was in fine form as he made an un-programmed appearance as soloist with the group. (Tom Erdmann)

Brass Knuckles
Under the direction of Jane Dunnick, Brass Knuckles performed three works for their prelude performance. Selections included Suite for Five Trumpets (Intrada movement) by Ronald LoPresti; Locus Iste by Anton Bruckner (arranged by Greig); and Mini-Suite on Themes of the Ukrainian Songs and Dances by Alexander Korsh.

The five high school freshman performed without a conductor and from memory. Their sense of timing and rhythm was outstanding, particularly in the LoPresti. The Bruckner demonstrated uniform and beautiful phrasing, intonation, and light articulation. Jane Dunnick must be proud of this ensemble of young musicians. (Lisa Blackmore)

Central Washington University Trumpet Ensemble

Under the direction of John Harbaugh, Central Washington University performed two works for their prelude performance. Selections included Antiphonal Fanfare by Robert Panerio and Go For It by Emma Lou Diemer. The sixteen members of the trumpet ensemble played with an impressive resonant sound. The group played with remarkable clarity and balance as an ensemble. The work by Diemer incorporated interesting dynamic effects throughout. (Lisa Blackmore)

Eastern Kentucky University Trumpet Ensemble
Under the direction of Jonathan Martin, the Eastern Kentucky University Trumpet Ensemble performed the prelude to the Bobby Shew/Carl Saunders concert. The ensemble began with Gregory Woolf’s Fourtrac, which explored closely voiced harmonies and complex polyphony. Next, the group performed Ronald LoPresti’s Heralding, a lyrical piece featuring some expressive solo work and lush harmonies. To conclude their prelude, the group performed Martin’s adaptation of Frank Mantooth’s big band arrangement of Mean To Me, which included guest alumnus Denver Dill on lead trumpet and the festival rhythm section. (Jeff Helgesen)

Eastern New Mexico State University Trumpet Ensemble
Under the direction of John Kennedy, Eastern New Mexico State University performed two works for their prelude performance. The first piece performed was a premiere of Turkish Fanfare by John Fannin. The ensemble performed this exciting piece with great energy and enthusiasm. The ensemble’s final piece was Eric Ewazen’s Fantasia. Typical of Ewazen’s music, the piece contains soaring melodies contrasted with rhythmic passages all of which were performed with confidence and a great understanding of the varying styles. (David Montgomery)

East Tennessee State University Trumpet Ensemble
Under the direction of prelude coordinator David Champouillon, East Tennessee State University performed “Largo” from Symphony for the New World by Dvorak (*arranged by Parnther and edited by Champouillon). This arrangement is a beautiful setting presenting expressive challenges for any ensemble. Written for trumpets, flugel horns, and euphoniums, Parnther’s arrangement captures the beauty of the original orchestral version wholly in the brass sonority. The East Tennessee State University Trumpet Ensemble played this work with confidence and maturity. Intonation and balance were outstanding throughout.

Farinacci Jazz Prelude
Dominick Farinacci, winner of the 2003 Carmine Caruso International Jazz Competition performed the prelude for the Ron Miles Quartet along with the 2004 Conference Rhythm Section. Selections included jazz standards Stella by Starlight, My Funny Valentine, Bag’s Groove, and The Theme.

Farinacci showed impressive command of the instrument, playing in a cool, fluid style that displayed maturity beyond his years. His warm and inviting sound thrilled the audience as he soloed over various tunes. If you are looking for a jazz star on the rise, you need look no further than Dominick Farinacci! (Kevin Hupe)

Kansas State University Alumni Trumpet Ensemble
Coordinated by Gary Mortenson, the Kansas State University Alumni Trumpet Ensemble performed three works for their prelude. Selections included Trumpet Salutations by Nigel Coombes, Shadow Boxing by Bryan Schroeder, and Enlightenment by Scott Freeby. Gary Mortenson conducted the Coombes, and the other two selections were conducted by the composers. Numbering approximately twenty members, the ensemble sounded appropriately regal on the Coombes, which was composed for the Irish Guards Trumpet Section in London, England. Schroeder’s Shadow Boxing opened with a subdued, atmospheric blend of colorful muted passages that transitioned into a driving faster section punctuated with dynamic chord pyramids. The final work, Freeby’s Enlightenment, employed the widest range of instruments, from piccolo to flugelhorn. With a celebratory 6/8 feel, the ensemble dazzled the audience with its stunning ensemble playing and finely tuned chords. (Elisa Koehler)

Kansas State University Student Brass Quintet
The Kansas State University Student Brass Quintet performed two works for their prelude. Selections included Western Fanfare by Eric Ewazen and The Virtual Alchemist by Finnish composer Jukka Viitasaari. Performing with admirable polish and confidence, the quintet filled up the rather dry theater with a warm, resonant sound in the Ewazen. Western Fanfare was a wonderful concert opener with its bracing, rhythmic drive and contrasting lyrical episodes. Viitasaari’s Virtual Alchemist featured sonorous ensemble passages interspersed with solo statements tossed between the instruments. All of the quintet members handled their solos well, especially the nimble tuba player, Richard Kimball. The Viitasaari entertained the audience with its festive, tonal adventures in a style reminiscent of Morley Calvert. (Elisa Koehler)

New Mexico State University Trumpet Ensemble
Under the direction of Frank “Pancho” Romero, New Mexico State University performed two works for their prelude performance. Selections included Hymn and Scherzo by Samuel Hollomon; and Trumpet Soup* by Justin Raines. This eight-member ensemble, under the leadership of Frank “Pancho” Romero, opened with Hymn and Scherzo. Hymn was nicely shaped and balanced making the most of the moving chorale style. Crisply played fanfares opened the Scherzo but gave way to a rhythmic, mixed-meter energetic closing which was well played by the group.

Justin Raines’ Trumpet Soup, written in 2004 for six trumpets, is a conglomeration of excerpts from many of the great trumpet works. The ensemble enthusiastically played with solid style and ensemble. From Clarke’s Prince of Denmark’s March, to the Haydn Trumpet Concerto, to Ravel’s Bolero, many of the pieces from our repertoire were heard in a witty and engaging fashion. (John Irish)

Rowan University Trumpet Ensemble
Under the direction of Bryan Appleby-Wineberg, Rowan University performed two works for their prelude performance. Selections included Suite for Trumpets (Intrada and Finale movements) by Ronald LoPresti; and View From Pikes Peak* by Denis DiBlasio. Performing the first and third movements of Ronald Lo Presti’s Suite for Five Trumpets, the Rowan University Trumpet Ensemble began this concert with a fine display of brilliant playing. Playing with crisp articulation and nice, well-balanced sound they offered a very musical (and conductor-less) performance of this great, standard work. Joined by three more of the ensemble, plus director, Bryan Appleby-Wineberg, they performed Denis Diblasio’s View from Pikes. DiBlasio, noted jazz saxophonist and director of the Maynard Ferguson Institute of Jazz at Rowan University, wrote the piece as a short musical story after visiting the 14,110 ft. Pike’s Peak in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The work’s broad, slow opening gave way to a driving, rhythmic section that pitted a lone jazz soloist against the harmonies of rest of the group. Lush, modern chords in the style of a chorale introduced a beautiful contrast but soon unfolded into a bold, powerful finish. (Gary Mortenson)

Salem High School Trumpet Ensemble
Under the direction of Jaimie Hall, Salem High School performed three selections for their prelude performance. Selections included Festival Fanfare by Joseph Turrin; Shenandoah as arranged by Olcott; and a premiere performance of a Hall of Trumpets by Lewis Norfleet. It was just a joy to hear a high school trumpet ensemble at an event usually dominated by college ensembles. The Salem trumpet ensemble performed in a poised and professional manner. Their opener, the Turrin Festival Fanfare, was spirited and left the audience applauding for more. They weren’t disappointed as the group next performed Shenandoah with a rich velvety sound and wonderful style.

The highlight of the prelude was the premier performance of Norfleet’s Hall of Trumpets. This is a work that should make its way into the standard trumpet ensemble repertoire. This fast paced work had many delicious harmonies, and the ensemble performed with great energy that was truly appreciated by the receptive audience. (Joe Bowman)

University of Central Florida Trumpet Ensemble
Under the direction of John Almeida, the University of Central Florida performed two works for their prelude performance. Selections included Patch-Work* by Robert Brownlow; and Montsegur* by Ed Gaston. Patch-Work was performed with great precision, clarity, and attention to detail. Montesegur by Ed Gaston was a demanding and powerful work and was presented with outstanding power and conviction including excellent solo work. The two difficult works presented in this prelude performance were executed with great understanding and conviction. Bravo! (David Montgomery)

University of Denver Trumpet Ensemble
After introductions by conference host Alan Hood, the Denver University Trumpet Ensemble, conducted by Chris Baum, performed two works for their prelude performance to the opening concert of the 2004 ITG Conference. Selections included Full Circle* by Veigar Margeirsson, and Metal Narrative* by Chris Malloy. The Margeirsson featured wonderful writing alternating between strong unison playing and more independent lines. The ensemble featured solid intonation and finely matched tone qualities. The work by Malloy opened with solo trumpet and featured more contemporary writing making effective use of mutes, extended techniques, and rhythmic complexity. Bravo to all concerned with the writing and the execution of this prelude. First rate in every respect! (Gary Mortenson)

University of Evansville Trumpet Ensemble
Under the direction of Timothy Zifer, the University of Evansville performed two works for their prelude performance. Selections included Ad Tubicines Mittas* by David Wyatt; and Scarborough Fair as arranged by Timothy Zifer. Wyatt’s Ad Tubicines Mittas (Send for the Trumpeters) opened with a building series of pitch clusters colored by plunger mutes. The opening, angular main statement broke in, and was followed by further energetic impulses along with intermittent extended techniques. Strong chords from all members of the group closed out the brief piece in a bold stroke.

Scarborough Fair, in an arrangement by Timothy Zifer, offered a lyrical counterpart to the first work. With nice textures from various types of mutes (including Crown Royal bags) and sounds, the lush writing highlighted this beautiful tune in dignified style. Both performances were very polished and showed a solid, mature musicality. (John Irish)

University of Missouri Trumpet Ensemble
Under the direction of Stephen Bottom, Missouri performed three works for their prelude performance. Selections included Simple Gifts by Aaron Copland (*transcribed by Bottom); Concerto in E-flat (movement one) by Stoelzel (arranged by Mathie) featuring Andrew Bishop as soloist; and Children of Sanchez by Chuck Mangione (arranged by Magno). Simple Gifts contained both trumpet and flugel horn parts. This well-known piece was played with sincerity and arranged largely in traditional harmony. Stoelzel’s Concerto in E-flat was brought to life by soloist Andrew Bishop who performed with great conviction and precision on piccolo trumpet. Arranged for the ensemble by Sarita Magno, a senior trumpeter at the University of Missouri, Children of Sanchez is a fun piece with a legato melody over driving, syncopated rhythms. This arrangement has melody in both the trumpet and flugel horn parts and featured a screaming conclusion that was very exciting to hear. Well done! (Kevin Hupe)

University of Northern Colorado Trumpet Choir
Under the direction of Robert Murray, the University of Northern Colorado performed three selections for their prelude performance. Selections included Götterdammerung by Richard Wagner (arranged by Schlup); “Sonate 24” from Charmela Real (Anonymous); and “Svatba” from Bulgarian Choral Suite by Chrsto Todorov (arranged by Hendricks). Gotterdammerung was notable for its sheer power. An impressive arrangement this work featured some fine solos from various members of the ensemble. Sonate 24, played on natural trumpets that the members constructed themselves, paid homage to the trumpets distant past. Finally, Svatba, based on eastern European harmonies and rhythms (with another 20 alumni joining the group) made for a spectacular ending to a most effective prelude. (Gary Mortenson)

University of Oklahoma Trumpet Ensemble
Under the direction of Karl Sievers, Oklahoma University performed two works for their prelude performance. Selections included Trilogy* by Roland Barrett, and Where or When by William Adam (*arranged by Roland Barrett). Their first selection, Trilogy, began with a fiery opening displaying the solid ensemble and musicianship of the OU trumpets. The full chords reverberated well in the hall, and really showcased the wonderful tone of the group. A beautiful flugel horn passage opened the second section of the work. The rich timbre of the flugel horn combined with Barrett’s harmonies offered a startling contrast to the opening. The third section was ushered in with a unique percussion passage featuring the trumpet ensemble popping out rhythms with their palms on their mouthpieces.

The second selection featured a rearrangement of a Bill Adam brass choir arrangement. It was a slow, warm work that left the audience in a peaceful state. It was a perfect introduction for the upcoming clinic by the legendary teacher himself, Bill Adam. (Joseph Bowman)

University of Oregon Trumpet Ensemble
The University of Oregon Trumpet Ensemble under the direction of Stephen Dunn provided an impressive prelude performance. From the impact of the first note it was clear that this would be a high quality prelude. Introductions, mistakenly listed in the program as Instructions, by Stephen Dunn was the first piece. The performance of this work was given with precision, energy, and conviction, and included excellent solo work. The final piece, Assertions for Trumpet Ensemble by Tim Clarke, was a lively fanfare that included moments of bravura and lyricism. The work was performed with great confidence and control. (David Montgomery)

University of South Florida Trumpet Ensemble
 Under the direction of Jay Coble, the University of South Florida performed Festive Overture by Howard Buss) for their prelude performance. This work was written for eight trumpets in B-flat, with two of the players switching to piccolo trumpet and one player switching to flugelhorn. The composer “pulled out all of the stops” on this piece, featuring the use of numerous mutes in addition to the added instruments. Festival Overture was composed in three-part form, with the outer sections featuring flourishes and fanfares over a rhythmic ostinato. The contrasting andante section featured lush chords and solo passages for all eight players. A fine performance of an exciting work! (Kevin Eisensmith)

Wichita State University Trumpet Ensemble
Under the direction of Judith Saxton, the Wichita State University performed three works for their prelude performance. James Henry’s La Compagne is a chorale-style work that displayed solid ensemble and intonation. For six trumpets, So Much in a Short Time, by Jacob T. Belton, is a fast and driving piece opening with double-tongued passages interrupted by a moving homophonic section. A return to the opening excitement closed the well-performed selection.

Tribute for Maleah was written in honor of 20 yr. old Maleah Harmon who was tragically lost in a car accident last year. Composed by Judith Saxton, it is in three movements, the first of which, Intention, features an angular statement with bold harmonies. Pointillistic melodic treatment, extended techniques, tone clusters, and flowing lines comprise the second movement, Maleah Rosean. This tough movement was performed very well. For the final movement, Impact, a broad opening in five gave way to an energetic section in mixed meter. A broad melodic flow and strong harmonies brought the work to a stirring close. The piece obviously meant a lot to the ensemble and was performed with heartfelt musicality. (John Irish)