2018 University of Kentucky Summer Trumpet Institute

In mid-June, more than 70 trumpet players of all ages gathered in Lexington, Kentucky for the 2018 University of Kentucky Summer Trumpet Institute (UKSTI). Organized by University of Kentucky trumpet professor, Jason Dovel, this four-day event included master classes, clinics, and performances by world-renowned faculty.

Featured faculty members included international soloist Rex Richardson, as well as Marie Speziale, retired Associate Principal Trumpet of the Cincinnati Symphony and Professor Emeritus at Rice University. Additional faculty were: Stephen Campbell, Principal Trumpet of the Lexington Philharmonic and Assistant Trumpet Professor at Ball State University; Dr. Jason Crafton, Assistant Trumpet Professor at Virginia Tech; Gabriel DiMartino, Assistant Trumpet Professor at East Carolina University; Vince DiMartino, formerly of the University of Kentucky and Centre College; Dr. Ryan Gardner, Associate Trumpet Professor at Oklahoma State University; Dr. Grant Peters, Professor of Trumpet at Missouri State University; Dr. Raquel Rodriquez, Assistant Trumpet Professor at the University of North Texas; Dr. Steven Siegel, Assistant Professor of Music at Western State Colorado University; Dr. Joseph Van Fleet, Second Trumpet of the Lexington Philharmonic and Associate Trumpet Professor at Eastern Kentucky University; and Dr. Brian Walker, Assistant Trumpet Professor at Tarleton State University. Faculty members performed in three evening concerts, including two recitals of solo repertoire and a unique jazz concert, which culminated in a jam session featuring student participation.


2018 UKSTI Faculty


Institute participants, ranging from high school students to retired comeback players, traveled from over 15 U.S. states, as well as London, England and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Each day, attendees took part in a warm-up class led by a faculty member, followed by a number of master classes covering orchestral excerpts, classical solo repertoire, and jazz improvisation. Other features included a Baroque trumpet master class, a question and answer session with college trumpet professors, and a hands-on display of instruments and mouthpieces by Pickett Brass and Blackburn Trumpets. Peter Pickett sponsored Vince DiMartino's participation in the Institute and participated himself as a guest faculty member in the faculty panel discussion. Participants also performed in the exciting final concert, featuring seven trumpet ensembles coached by faculty members in daily rehearsals throughout the week. The 2018 University of Kentucky Summer Trumpet Institute proved to be a truly inspiring event with world-class faculty in a supportive, educational environment for players of all ages and abilities. For further information regarding the annual UKSTI, please visit www.uktrumpet.com.


Jazz session: Rex Richardson, Vince DiMartino, Gabriel DiMartino, and the UK Faculty Jazz Trio perform with UKSTI participants 


Guest artist Marie Speziale coaches Brahms Academic Festival Overture section made up of Skylar van Duuren, Sarah Herbert, and Jenna Veverka


2018 UKSTI Faculty & Participants


(Source: Marisa Youngs, Teaching Assistant, University of Kentucky)

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