Kelly Deklinski, reporter

This year's solo competition featured talented trumpet players from the United States, Portugal, and the Philippines. The audience was treated to four very different takes on the required work, Rustiques by Bozza, as well as one additional selection as chosen by each participant. Alan Siebert, ITG Board Member, took the stage to say a few words and thank the crowd for attending the early morning competition before introducing James Ackley, event coordinator. Ackley opened the competition by introducing this year's finals judges: Eric Aubier (International Soloist, Paris, France), Timothy Leasure (Ohio State University, Columbus, OH), and Barbara Prugh (Festive Brass Quintet, Wayne, PA).

First to take the stage was Adam Bhatia (UCLA, Jens Lindemann, teacher). Much like his performance in the Orchestral Excerpts Competition just two days earlier, Bhatia did not disappoint the crowd. He chose to begin with Bozza's Rustiques performed on C trumpet. The opening trumpet calls were well paced and fluid, the lyrical section showcased Bhatia's outstanding breath control, and the 6/8 allegro was faster than most major recordings, all while maintaining an even pulse and excellent ensemble with piano. Bhatia's own selection was Sonata by Davies. Once again, Bhatia and accompanist Rebecca Wilt maintained an interaction that was surprising considering the short time they had worked together.

Raymond de Leon (University of Santo Thomas, Philippines) was the next to perform. He began with Arutunian's Trumpet Concerto on B-flat…very rubato and musical throughout. Leon performed with controlled dynamics, often using bell direction for contrast in the large hall. This was true until the cadenza where Leon really opened up and impressed the crowd with his phrasing and full sound. Before completing his performance of the required work, Leon exited the stage to make an equipment change; but not to the C trumpet as one might expect, but to another B-flat, this time with a different finish and a considerably darker sound. Leon's tone, especially in muted sections, was most impressive throughout this performance.

In an aggressive performance of Concerto in F by Boehme, Angelo Fernandes (Superior School of the Arts, Portugal, Kevin Gerard Wauldron, teacher) explored dynamics in a manner not previously heard in the competition. Fernandes really went after every high moment throughout this three movement work. He finished with Rustiques, also on the B-flat trumpet, observing the slight pause that is sometimes heard just before the peak of the first slow section. His interpretation of the 6/8 allegro was a bit slower than the last two performances, but to his credit this made the chromatic triplet passages incredibly clear and even.

Last to perform at this year's competition was Brandon Ridenour (Julliard School, Mark Gould, teacher). He opened with his own composition, a lengthy three movement work entitled Sonata. The piece began with Ridenour facing away from the audience with his bell directed into the piano. He explored various colors by adjusting his bell direction in the piano and out into the audience as well as using several mutes. The second movement was played on Flugelhorn and had the hint of some jazz elements while the final movement was aggressive and showcased multiple tonguing. Ridenour finished with what was undoubtedly the most liberal and personal rendition of Rustiques heard in the competition. His unique style and rhythmic interpretation, matched with a brilliant tone, made for a memorable performance.

This year's finalists exhibited many different desirable qualities but it is certain that they have some very important things in common. They are all fabulous trumpet players, fine musicians, and incredibly professional. Congratulations to all and thanks for a great competition!