ITG Youth Site

Previous Young Artist Award Winners

June 2008 ITG Young Artist Award Winner, Steven Miller

It is with great pleasure we welcome Steven Miller as our June ITG Young Artist Award recipient. Steven graduates this month from East Meadow High School in East Meadow, New York. Steven enjoyed a remarkable high school career as a top performer in the jazz ensemble, pit orchestra, wind ensemble, and marching band.
In his recommendation for this award band conductor Stephen Engle states that Steven is one of those rare gems that come along once in a teacher's career and further praises his exceptional talent and fine character.
Steven represented his high school district throughout high school in the NMEA All-County Jazz Ensemble and was principal trumpet in the 2006 and 2007 NYSSMA Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Steven sat principal trumpet in the Long Island Youth Orchestra and the Nassau-Suffolk Performing Arts Wind Symphony. The capstone of Steven's high school performance career was competing as a finalist in the President's Own Marine Band Concerto Competition. In February of 2008 Steven won the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition and will make his Carnegie Hall debut as guest soloist with the orchestra on June 6, 2008.
As conscientious in his academics as with his music, Steven is president of the Science Honor Society, a member of Key Club, National Honor Society, and the Math Team. He is a recipient of the 2007 Rensselaer Medal for Math and Science Achievement and has been awarded a $60,000 scholarship.
At press time Steven had narrowed his college choices to three schools and is interested in double majoring in engineering and trumpet performance. In recognition of his outstanding talent, ITG will provide Steven with a complimentary one-year membership. Bravo Steven!

March 2008 ITG Young Artist Award Winner Kristen Wall

Please welcome Kristen Wall as our March 2008 ITG Young Artist Award winner. Kristen is a senior at Century High School in Rochester, Minnesota, where she performs in the Century Symphonic Winds, the orchestra, marching band (as the section leader of 35 trumpets), and jazz band-all under the supervision of band director Levi Lundak. She also sits in with a professional jazz band called Swing Street. Her private teacher is Warren Bandel, also of Rochester, Minnesota. In his recommendation for this award, Bandel writes enthusiastically about Kristen's character. “I just can't say enough good things about her. She is what every student should be-she works hard, has fun playing the trumpet, and leads by example.”
She is a two-time Minnesota All-State member, last school year as a member of the All-State Orchestra and this year in the All-State Symphonic Band (2nd chair). She is also a member of the Southeastern Minnesota Youth Orchestra. Currently, Kristen is working hard for state solo contest, at which she will be playing the Arutunian Concerto.
Kristen is also an accomplished pianist, and puts those skills to work at her church where she accompanies the K-2 children's choir. Other church activities include teaching Sunday School and playing on the church women's volleyball team.
As conscientious with her academics as she is with her music, Kristen has been the student-of-the-month in music, math, and Spanish and is in Who's Who Among American High School Students, the National Society of High School Scholars, the National Honor Society, Outstanding Students of America, a National Merit Commended Scholar, and an AP Scholar.
At press time, Kristen has narrowed her college choices to three schools, where she intends to continue her trumpet studies but will concentrate on elementary education, international relations, and Spanish. Kristen is the daughter of proud parents David and Janet Wall.
In recognition of her outstanding talent, ITG will provide Kristen with a complimentary one-year membership. Congratulations, Kristen!

January 2008 ITG Young Artist Award Winner

The January ITG Journal Young Artist Award recipient is Case O’Donnell, a senior at Olympia High School in Orlando, Florida.

At Olympia High, Case is principal trumpet in the wind ensemble and lead trumpeter with the top jazz band. Throughout his middle and high school years Case has been a member of the Florida Bandmasters Association All-State Bands as well as the Orange County Honor Band. Additionally, he has received superior ratings at both district and state solo and ensemble festivals since the 8th grade. Repertoire from these occasions has included the Goedicke Concert Etude, the Hummel Trumpet Concerto, and Oskar Boehme’s Concerto in F Minor.

Case performed as lead trumpet in the 2007 Florida All-State Jazz Band, and later that summer after rigorous auditions, O’Donnell was selected to perform as lead trumpet in the top jazz band at the first annual Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band Camp in Los Angeles, California. His summer continued with music as a camper at the Cannon Music Camp held on the campus of Appalachian State Uni–v–ersity in Boone, N.C. During that time, Case performed with the wind ensemble and symphony orch–estra, and as lead in the jazz band.

Aside from his musical activities Case volunteers with his church youth group, coaches middle school band students, and belongs to the Olympia High School Beta Club—a service organization that promotes developing leadership roles and community service projects. Case also enjoys golf and football, and is an excellent bowler in his leisure time.

O’Donnell’s career goal is to become a professional musician and to perform in the Los Angeles music industry. Currently he studies trumpet with John Almeida, professor of trumpet at the University of Central Florida. Congratulations and best wishes for a successful future career in music!

In recognition of his outstanding talent, ITG will provide Case O’Donnell with a complimentary one-year membership.

October 2007 ITG Young Artist Award Winner

Colton Crandell

Colton Crandell of Centennial, Colorado, is the recipient of the October 2007 ITG Young Artist Award.
Colton has just completed his senior year at Arapahoe High School under the direction of Edward Cannava and has had a busy and productive high school music career. During his junior and senior high school years Colton was the principal trumpeter in The Warrior Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Pep Bands, Pit Orchestra, and Symphonic Orchestra. He also performed on cornet with the Dry Creek Dixie Dawgs, a traditional Jazz Combo that has won three Downbeat Awards.

Highlights of his many honors include his selection to the 2006 and 2007 Colorado All State Jazz Bands and Symphonic Bands. This past year he was named principal trumpet of the Continental League Orchestra in conjunction with appointments in the University of Colorado All State Orchestra and Honor Band. Mr. Crandell has the distinction of being only one of four Arapahoe music students to have been selected for all of these groups during his high school career.

As a soloist Colton has received the Superior rating at the State Solo and Ensemble Contest during all four years in high school. As a scholastic standout Colton has maintained a high grade point and received the Academic Letter for Excellence in his junior year while balancing a full schedule of activities in bands, orchestras, pep groups, study time, private lessons, and numerous weekend commitments. His senior year culminated with two prestigious awards; the Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence and the Outstanding Senior Award for 2006 - 2007 at Arapahoe High School.

Dr. Cannava hails Colton as "a highly dedicated young man, serious, positive, compassionate, focused, and committed to excellence in both his music and personhood. A student every teacher dreams of having in their program!" Tireless in his dedication to music and the Arapahoe High School Band Program, Colton is also recognized as a fine role model for other music students and the school at large.

Colton Crandell is now in his first semester as a music performance major at The University of Colorado in Boulder in the studio of Professor Terry Sawchuck.Congratulations to Colton for this recognition as October ITG Young Artist, 2007. Best wishes to him in his future musical endeavors and continued efforts to be a role model for other young trumpeters.

In recognition of his outstanding talent, ITG will provide Colton Crandell with a complimentary one-year membership.

June 2007 ITG Young Artist Award Winner

It is with great pleasure that we introduce Ryan Beach as the June ITG Young Artist recipient.

Ryan was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. He studied privately with Dennis Schneider, long time professor of trumpet at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln and principal trumpet of the Lincoln Symphony. He attended Lincoln High School where he was under the direction of Mr. Terry R. Rush. He is now attending the Wanda L. Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University studying with Michael Anderson in pursuit of a trumpet performance degree. At OCU he is a member of the Wind Philharmonic and the Freshman Brass Quintet.

At Lincoln High, Ryan was section leader and featured soloist in the marching band, principal trumpet of the Symphonic Band and Orchestra, and shared lead duties in jazz band. In 2002, he traveled to London where the band marched in the New Year's Day parade and the Symphonic Band performed in concert at Westminster Central Hall. He had the privilege of performing in the pit orchestra of Cole Porter's Anything Goes, and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He had the opportunity to perform A Trumpeter's Lullaby with the Symphonic Band as well. Ryan was the 2006 recipient of the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award.

In addition to his positions at Lincoln High, Ryan served as principal trumpet of the Lincoln Youth Symphony for two years. With the Youth Symphony, he toured Austria where the symphony performed concerts in Vienna, Graz, and Bad Ischl. He won the senior solo award in the Lincoln Youth Symphony, performing Herbert L. Clarke's Carnival of Venice at the February 2006 concert.

Ryan was a member of several honor bands. He was a member of the Hastings College (Nebraska) Honor Band in 2005 and 2006, sitting first chair in 2006. He was also first chair in the 2006 University of Nebraska - Lincoln Winter Winds Festival. He was a member of the 2005 Nebraska Music Educators All-State Orchestra, and the 2006 Nebraska Wesleyan Honor Band.

Ryan has been active in the community, volunteering at Arts Incorporated and his local church. He was a student member of the Nebraska Trumpet Ensemble and regularly performed with the group from 2002 - 2006.

In recognition of his outstanding talent, ITG will provide Ryan Beach with a complimentary one-year membership.

March 2007 ITG Young Artist Award Winner

It is with great pleasure that we introduce Adrianna Droz as the March ITG Young Artist recipient.

Adrianna is a student at Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, Wash?ington. As a promising student at Harbor Pointe Middle School under the guidance of band director Steve Moody, Adrianna performed in the concert band, jazz ensembles, and participated in solo and ensemble contests while studying privately with Joseph Gudorf, band director at Evergreen Middle School in nearby Everett. As a middle school student, Adrianna was awarded the John Phillip Sousa Award for outstanding musicianship and leadership, serving as a role model for other trumpeters in the program.

In her sophomore year at Kamiak High School, Adrianna received a superior rating with her performance of the Goedicke Concert Etude at State Solo Contest while continuing to work diligently on the transposition studies of Bordogni and the characteristic studies of Arban.

Currently a junior and one of Kamiak's top trumpeters, Adrianna is a member and soloist with the marching band; top concert band under the direction of Toby Bathurst; and the jazz ensemble, conducted by Scott McKinlay. Both conductors praise Adrianna's beautiful sound, musicianship, dedication to teamwork, mentoring, and, above all, her impeccable work ethic.

Rounding out this year's many accomplishments, Adrianna has been selected to perform with the National Wind Ensemble and will perform in May in Carnegie Hall under the direction of Professor Emeritus (University of Michigan) H. Robert Reynolds.

Aside from her busy high school musical life Adrianna, is a shortstop and catcher for an area select softball team as well as her high school girl's softball team. She is even known on occasion to hit one
out of the park! Best wishes and congratulations to Adrianna. Bravo to her many supporters and excellent teachers.

In recognition of her outstanding talent, ITG will provide Adrianna Droz with a complimentary one-year membership.

January 2007 ITG Young Artists Award Winner

The January 2007 Young Artist Award is Simon Bosch from Loveland, Colorado. Simon began his study of the trumpet at age 8 under the guidance of Alan Taylor. As a high school student he was privileged to study with William Pfund, Prof. Emeritus, Northern Colorado University.

As a four-year member of the Loveland High School Band program conducted by Gary Hall, Simon performed with the school's wind symphony, jazz band, marching band, brass choir, and advanced brass quintet. During his high school career he was also selected to be a two-year member of the Colorado All State Band, The Colorado University Honor Band, and a one-year member of the Colorado All State Jazz Band.

Among his numerous high school awards Simon received the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award and two consecutive ITG Conference Scholarships for the under-18 division. While attending the 2005 and 2006 ITG conferences Simon participated in the Youth Solo Competitions. Mr. Bosch distinguished himself further as the Loveland Associated Veterans Honor Guard Bugler, serving in this position for three years.

In addition to his music accomplishments Simon worked year round at a grocery store and at two part-time jobs (summers) landscaping and installing sprinkler systems. Capping off his summer experiences he participated in a church youth group mission trip on an Indian reservation in Cortez, Colorado.

Simon is currently in his freshman year as a music education major at Baylor University where he studies trumpet with Wiff Rudd.

In recognition of his outstanding talent, ITG will provide Simon Bosch with a complimentary one-year membership.

October 2006 ITG Young Artists Award Winner

The October 2006 Young Artist Award is Lauren Bird, a graduate of Lincoln Southwest High School in Lincoln, Nebraska. Her trumpet teachers have included Amy Gammel (2001 - 2003) and Darryl White (2003 - 2005). She currently studies with Gary Mortenson at Kansas State University. Her high school band and orchestra directors were Lori Falcone and Stacy Marshall, respectively.

Lauren's high school career was busy and eventful. At Lincoln Southwest she performed with the marching band for four years, highlighted by the group's trip to London to perform in the New Year's Parade in 2006. She was 1st chair in the Symphony Band, lead in the Varsity Jazz Band, and principal trumpet in the Orchestra. As a member of Lincoln Southwest's Pit Orchestra, she performed 1st trumpet on Wizard of Oz, My Fair Lady, and West Side Story.

Lauren's activities extended into the community as well. She performed with the Lincoln Youth Symphony, traveling to Austria for the American Music Celebration performance tour in March of 2005. Lauren was also a regular member of the Nebraska Trumpet Ensemble (four years) and attended honor bands at Wesleyan University, the

University of Nebraska, and Kansas State University. In 2006, she was a member of the Nebraska All-State Orchestra. In 2005 she started teaching trumpet to area grade school students.

Active in many organizations that extend beyond music, Lauren lettered in student council and academics in addition to music. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Youth Leadership Lincoln, and has received the Character Achievement Award twice. In her spare time Lauren helps out as a babysitter, mowing lawns, shoveling snow, and has even worked on farms detasseling corn during the summer months!

In recognition of her outstanding talent, ITG will provide Lauren Bird with a complimentary one-year membership.

June 2006 ITG Young Artists Award Winner

The June 2006 Young Artist Award is Alongorn Laosaichua, a senior in the pre-college, high school preparatory program at the College of Music, Mahidol University. He began to play trumpet in 7th grade. Currently, Alongorn studies trumpet with Joseph Bowman at Mahidol University, and jazz trumpet with David Hart at Mahidol University.

Alongorn is actively involved in his school ensembles, including the jazz band, wind ensembles, wind camarata, and brass quintet. Recently, he was selected to participate in the 2005 Southeast Asian Wind Ensemble. He was awarded an ITG scholarship to attend the 2005 ITG Conference in Bangkok, Thailand. Alongorn was also a finalist for the 2005 ITG Youth Competition. In 2004, he was a member of the "MU-TE" Trumpet Quintet, which advanced to the finals of the Asian Symphonic Band Competition-Wind Ensemble Division. In June of 2006, Alongorn will enter the undergraduate program at Mahidol University in trumpet performance.

In recognition of his outstanding talent, ITG will provide Alongorn Laosaichua with a complimentary one-year membership.

March 2006 ITG Young Artists Award Winner

Jessica Lordi is a high school senior at Greater Latrobe Senior High School in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Her early interest in music began with piano lessons for several years before she changed to the trumpet in fourth grade. Currently, she studies with Kevin Eisensmith of Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Jessica received a scholarship from ITG to attend the 2005 conference in Bangkok, Thailand, where she placed first in the Youth Solo Competition. She was a semi-finalist at the 2005 National Trumpet Competition and Pennsylvania State Representative, Senior High Brass, for the Music Teacher's National Association competition, receiving an honorable mention at the Eastern Division. She has performed in county and district bands as well as the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Senior High Honors Band. In November of 2005, Jessica was awarded first place in the brass division competition at the Pennsylvania Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Conference held at Penn State University.

Jessica performs with the Westmoreland Youth Symphony Orchestra as principal trumpet and was selected as winner of the concerto competition in 2004. Her solo performance with the orchestra was Orlando Gibbons' Suite for Trumpet and Strings.

She also performs and solos with the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Active in her community and school music programs, Jessica performs in the school jazz and concert bands. As a volunteer, she performs at her church, nursing homes, the Salvation Army and at various community and school functions. She is a third year member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

January 2006 ITG Young Artists Award Winner

ITG is proud to announce that Daniel Watson, a freshman at Patrick Henry College in Purcell, Virginia, is the January 2006 recipient of the Young Artist Award. Daniel is majoring in political science. Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Watson began learning the trumpet at the age of eight (as a refuge from piano lessons). It was soon apparent to his father (his first trumpet teacher) that he had a great deal of natural talent.

In 1997, at the age of ten, Daniel won his first competition. Later he became principal trumpet in the Greater Fort Worth Junior Youth Orchestra, winning a concerto contest in 2001. As a freshman in 2002, he won second place in the Winds Division of the Juanita Miller State Youth Competition, sponsored by the Texas Association for Symphonic Orchestras. He also played in the Youth Orchestra of Greater Fort Worth. He attended and competed in the Youth Competition of the International Trumpet Guild held at Texas Christian University in 2003. Daniel has made All Region, All Area, and the Texas 5A All State Band.

Daniel and his parents attribute his success as a player to the efforts of his teacher since 1999, Mr. Adam Gordon of the Fort Worth Symphony. "Mr. Gordon has the rare combination of a virtuoso performer and a gifted teacher and communicator. He takes a genuine interest in his students."

In recognition of his outstanding talent, ITG will provide Daniel Watson with a complimentary one-year membership.

October 2005 ITG Young Artists Award Winner

Andy Cresap of Minot, North Dakota, began playing the trumpet in fourth grade. His trumpet instructor is Gary Stenehjem and Andy credits him as one of the main contributors to his success. For six years, Andy also has attended the International Music Camp where he studied with instructors such as Matt Mealy, Del Lyren, and Steve Wright.

Currently a senior at Minot High School, Andy participated in the North Dakota High School All State Jazz ensemble in 2003, and as principal trumpet in the North Dakota High School All State Orchestra in 2004 and 2005. He had the honor of being selected for the first and second annual Hershey's All American High School Honor Band in 2004 and 2005. Other awards have included the Outstanding Performer in the State Solo Competition in 2004 and 2005, the National Band Association Outstanding Jazz Student award, and the National Band Association Outstanding Musician award. Andy performs in many groups during the school year, including the Minot High Concert Band, Minot High Jazz Ensemble, the Brass Band of Minot, the Minot State University Summer Theatre Pit Orchestra, and the Minot Community Band.

June 2005 ITG Young Artists Award Winner

ITG is proud to announce that Traci Nelson of Fergus Falls High School in Fergus, Minnesota, is the June 2005 recipient of the Young Artist Award. Traci is a 2005 graduate of Fergus Falls High School. She began playing trumpet in fifth grade. Currently, she studies with Neil Mueller of North Dakota State University. She plans to major in music performance this fall as she begins her post-secondary education.

Traci has been actively involved in many school and community ensembles, including wind ensemble, orchestra, jazz band, marching band, brass ensembles, and a community civic orchestra. She volunteers her time performing on trumpet at local nursing homes and churches by soloing or leading groups. Traci has been a member of several Minnesota All-State ensembles. Highlights her include her role as principal trumpet of the grade 9 - 10 All-State Honor Band in 2003, member of the 2003 - 2004 All-State Concert Band, and principal trumpet of the 2004 - 2005 All-State Orchestra. She has received over ten superior ratings at solo/ensemble competitions and various other music awards. Memorable solo performances for Traci include performances of Arban's Carnival of Venice with her high school band and Haydn's Trumpet Concerto with the school's orchestra in May 2005.

In recognition of her outstanding talent, ITG will provide Traci Nelson with a complimentary one-year membership.

March 2005 ITG Young Artists Award Winner

ITG is proud to announce that Shawn Williams of Santa Clara, California, has been awarded the ITG Young Artist Award for March 2005. Shawn has studied the trumpet since fifth grade, and currently studies with Eric Bolvin of San Jose, California. While attending Santa Clara High School, Shawn plays in marching band, symphonic band, and jazz band. He toured Japan with the San Jose Youth Philharmonic Senior Symphony, and plays solo trumpet with the San Jose Jazz Society Youth Jazz Honor Orchestra.

This year Shawn received superior ratings in the California Music Educators' Association Jazz and Symphonic Solo Festivals. As soloist with his middle school's alumni jazz band, Shawn performed in the New Orleans French Quarter Jazz Festival. At the Reno Jazz Festival, Shawn received a solo award in three consecutive years. Active in his community, Shawn tutors elementary and middle school children, performs in his church's music group, and works at a local music camp each summer. His future plans include the study of music education with a jazz emphasis.

January 2005 ITG Young Artists Award Winner

ITG is proud to announce that Caleb Hudson of Lexington, Kentucky, is the January 2005 recipient of the Young Artist Award. Caleb started trumpet studies at the age of ten, and soon began studying privately with Richard Byrd. His first solo experiences were at his church. Since beginning trumpet, he has twice won the National Trumpet Competition (Junior High and High School divisions), won first place in the 2002 ITG Youth Competition, received scholarships to the ITG conferences in Denver and Manchester, UK, was first runner-up in the U.S. Air Force Colonel George S. Howard Young Artist Competition, won first place in the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition, placed fourth in the Blount Young Artist Concerto Competition, appeared as a soloist on Public Radio International's From the Top, and received the Emerson Scholarship (full tuition to the Interlochen Arts Camp).

Caleb performed as principal trumpet of the World Youth Symphony Orchestra in the summer of 2004, and as principal trumpet of the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra for two years. He has been the principal trumpet of the Kentucky All-State Symphonic Band for the past two years, was a member of the Advocate Brass Band of Danville, Kentucky, and has played in the Kentucky Ballet Theatre Orchestra and the Central Kentucky Chamber Players. Other appearances have included solo performances with the Lexington Philharmonic, the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra, the Paul Laurence Dunbar Orchestra, and the Advocate Brass Band. Currently, Caleb is a junior at the Interlochen Arts Academy and is studying with Ken Larson. In recognition of his outstanding talent, ITG will present Caleb Hudson with a complimentary one-year membership.

October 2004 ITG Young Artists Award Winner

ITG is proud to announce that Andrew Bruhn, a first year performance major at the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music, is the October 2004 recipient of the Young Artist Award. Andrew is studying with Terry Schwartz at Wheaton College. He is also a student of Barbara Butler (Northwestern University), and of William Scarlett, (former assistant principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra). This past summer Bruhn played in master classes for Barbara Butler and Charles Geyer at Northwestern University.

Andrew Bruhn graduated from Batavia High School in June of 2004, where he was principal trumpet of his high school band for four years. While in high school he was a member of the Illinois All-State Honors Orchestra. Andrew was a principal player in the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO), the Encore Chamber Orchestra, and the CYSO Brass Quintet (a semi-finalist at the 2002 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition). Bruhn is an alumnus of the Interlochen Arts Camp, and won the Interlochen Fine Arts Award for Trumpet in 2000. He was awarded the Emerson Scholarship from Interlochen in 2003 for which he was given a full scholarship. He spent that summer playing in the World Youth Symphony Orchestra.

In recognition of his outstanding talent, ITG will present Andrew Bruhn with a complimentary one-year membership.

June 2004 ITG Young Artists Award Winner

ITG is proud to announce that Jason Brodsky, a graduate of East Meadow High School in New York is the June, 2004, recipient of the Young Artist Award. Brodsky is currently studying classical trumpet with Leon Petruzzi. For the past two years, Jason has performed in both All State and All Eastern Honors Ensembles. His membership in his school's jazz, concert, and marching bands has also been augmented with performances in the school orchestra.

Jason owes his trumpet success to a phone call from his high school band teacher, Stephen Engle, who suggested that Jason join a school brass quintet during his ninth grade year. The quintet consisted of four senior All State brass players. With this group, he participated in master classes with the American Brass Quintet, as well as with Philip Smith of the New York Philharmonic. That year culminated with the group winning the Grand Prize of the 2000 New York Brass Conference Brass Quintet Competition.

Jason has been able to expand his music performance experience through extracurricular participation in the Long Island Youth Orchestra, the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, and the Nassau Suffolk Performing Arts Wind Symphony. These groups have gone on summer performance tours to Europe, North Africa, Canada, Scandinavia, and Hawaii. Music has added a whole new dimension to Jason's life, a passion and confidence that he will always retain.

In recognition of his outstanding talents, ITG will provide Jason Brodsky with a complimentary one-year membership.

March 2004 ITG Young Artist Award Winner

ITG is proud to announce that Laura Anne Wilde, of Watertown, South Dakota, has been awarded the ITG Young Artist Award for March 2004. Laura is currently a senior at Watertown High School. She has been principal trumpet in the South Dakota All-State Orchestra for three consecutive years. In addition, she has been a member of the All-State Band and All-State Jazz Band for two years. Ms. Wilde studies trumpet with John F. Colson of Brookings, South Dakota.

During the summer of 2003, Laura studied at the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp in Michigan where she successfully auditioned into the top band. Other notable achievements include receiving the Agnes Jardine Scholarship Award at the International Music Camp and playing principal trumpet in the band and orchestra at the St. Olaf Summer Music Camp in Minnesota.

In recognition of her outstanding talents, ITG will provide Ms. Wilde with a complimentary one-year membership.

January 2004 ITG Young Artist Award Winner

ITG is proud to announce that Jon Kratzer of Sanford, Florida has been awarded the ITG Young Artist Award for January 2004. Jon, a student of John Almeida of University of Central Florida, has enjoyed a rich background of musical experiences. He has performed in concerts with his high school band, the Seminole County All-County Band, the Orlando Philharmonic, and the North Carolina Symphony
Orchestra. Jon has held the principal chair in the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra for three years. In addition to performing principal with the Florida All-State Orchestra in 2003, he has occupied
principal trumpet positions in the wind ensemble, symphony orchestra, honors brass quintet, and Jazz Ensemble 1 at Cannon Music Camp - Appalachian State University where he worked with Allen Vizzutti.

In recognition of his outstanding talents, ITG will provide Jon Kratzer with a complimentary one-year membership.

October 2003 ITG Young Artist Award Winner

ITG is proud to announce that Maxilmilien David Darché of Madison, CT, has been awarded the ITG
Young Artist Award for October 2003. Maxilmilien, a graduate of Daniel Hand High School, has studied classical trumpet with Richard Green of the Eastern Brass Quintet. For each of his four years in high school, Maxilmilien was a member of the Connecticut All State Bands, and for three years he performed with the Jazz Ensemble. In addition to being a member of his school's marching, symphonic, and stage bands, he also performed with their orchestra. Max was the recipient of the Connecticut Association of Schools Arts Award in 2002, as well as the John Phillip Sousa Band Award and the National School Orchestra Award. Seeking additional jazz performance venues, Max was a member of Connecticut Youth Jazz. In this group (under the direction of Reid Gerritt) Maxilmilien had the opportunity to perform at the Essentially Ellington Jazz at Lincoln Center High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival in 2002, winning the Outstanding Trumpet Soloist Award.

Maxilimilien has pursued his love of jazz attending summer jazz camps at the Manhattan School of Music, Conservatorium van Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Purchase College, the Eastman School of Music, and William Patterson University. Max currently is enrolled as a jazz performance major at the Manhattan School of Music where he studies with Lewis Soloff.

In recognition of his outstanding talents, ITG will provide Mr. Darché with a complimentary one-year membership.

June 2003 ITG Young Artist Award Winner

ITG is proud to announce that Carlos Alberto Sanchez of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, has been awarded the June 2003 Young Artist Award. Nominated by James L. Klages, professor of trumpet at University of Central Oklahoma, Carlos began his trumpet studies at age seven and moved to Oklahoma from Venezuela at age eleven. Currently thirteen years old, Carlos has played principal trumpet with the Oklahoma Youth Symphony. He is currently a member of the jazz band, concert band, and trumpet choir at University of Central Oklahoma.

Professor Klages says, "Carlos is as talented as any student I have worked with. A mature and serious student of the trumpet, he has learned a new solo and etude almost every week since I started working with him. I believe we will hear more from him."

In recognition of his outstanding talents, ITG will provide Mr. Sanchez with a complimentary one-year membership.

January 2003 ITG Young Artist Award Winner

Jeff Ostroski has studied classical trumpet with Richard Green of the Eastern Brass Quintet. In high school, Jeff performed with the Connecticut All State Jazz Ensemble and Concert Band, as well as the Greater New Haven Symphonic Youth Orchestra. In addition to winning the Outstanding Achievement in Instrumental Music Award at Guilford High School, he received the Berklee College of Music Judge's Choice Award and Outstanding Musicianship Award for both big band and combo work.

Equally proficient in classical and jazz, Ostroski has attended jazz camps at the Eastman School of Music and William Patterson University. Ostroski currently attends Lawrence University/Conservatory of Music where he studies with John Daniel.

In recognition of his outstanding talents, ITG will provide Ostroski with a complimentary one-year membership. Nominations for the Young Artist Award are accepted throughout the year.

October 2002 ITG Young Artist Award Winner

ITG is proud to announce that Christopher Konfirst has been awarded the October 2002 ITG Young Artist Award. Christopher began trumpet studies -with Bob Guenzler, retired high school music director, and throughout high school, he studied with Michael Stewart, music director of the Chicago Brass Choir. During high school, Christopher participated in many different competitions and groups such as Illinois All-State Honors Orchestra and Honors Jazz Band. In addition, he served as principal trumpet in the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra and Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra. Besides soloing with the Lockport Wind Symphony, Christopher received many awards, including the Louis Armstrong Award and the Woody Herman Award. He currently attends the Curtis Institute of Music where he studies with David Bilger, principal trumpet of the Philadelphia Orchestra. In recognition of Konfirst's outstanding talents, ITG will provide him with a complimentary one-year membership.

June 2002 ITG Young Artist Award Winner

ITG is proud to announce that Goni Eshed of Tel Aviv, Israel, has been awarded the June 2002 ITG Young Artist Award. Goni has studied with his -father, Ilan Eshed since the age of ten.

In April 2001, Eshed became the youngest brass player to win the “Jerusalem Academy Competition for Brass and Woodwinds.” At age eleven, he performed the Concerto in E-flat by Hummel. Recently, he was invited to perform in a master class with Maurice André, during which he performed Concerto No. 1 in E-flat by Hertel. He has also received high praise for his performances in master classes with Håken Hardenberger and Guy Touvron, who commented: “…a lot of energy was given to him, he possesses a splendid sense of musicality and a wonderful sound.”

In recognition of his outstanding talent, ITG will provide Eshed with a complimentary one-year membership.

March 2002 ITG Young Artist Award Winner

ITG is proud to announce that Michael Blutman of East Meadow, New York, has been awarded the March 2002 ITG Young Artist Award. Blutman has served as lead trumpet of the Nassau-Suffolk Jazz Ensemble as well as- principal trumpet of the Long Island Youth Orchestra. He performed the Hummel Concerto with the LIYO in June 2001. Michael played assistant principal trumpet for the past two summers in the NY State Summer School of Orchestral Studies where he was coached by members of the Philadelphia Orchestra. In addition, he has performed with the East Meadow Brass Quintet, which won Grand Prize at the 2001 NY Brass Conference Competition and received special coaching sessions with the American Brass Quintet and Phillip Smith.

Blutman has studied with Leon Petruzzi, Kenneth Sepe, and William Vacchiano. Currently he is a freshman at University of Maryland where he studies with Chris Gekker.

In recognition of his outstanding talents, ITG will provide Blutman with a complimentary one-year membership. Coordinator Del Lyren extends his appreciation to adjudicators Alan Ehnes (Brandon University) and Rich Stoelzel (Interlochen and Grand Valley State University).

January 2002 ITG Young Artist Award Winner

ITG is proud to announce Darren Ringer of Morgantown, West Virginia as the recipient of the January 2002 ITG Young Artist Award. Ringer was nominated by his teacher, Bonnie Miltenberger, also of Morgantown.

As a high school junior, Ringer won the 2001 Music Teachers National Association’s High School Brass competition in Washington, D.C. In 1998, he won the MTNA Junior High Brass Competition. Ringer is a three-time winner of both the West Virginia Music Teachers Association and the MTNA Eastern Division Brass Competitions; and he has twice won the Fairmont State College and Community Orchestra Pre-college Concerto Competition. Ringer is a member of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra and has appeared as a soloist on “From the Top” on Public Radio International.

In recognition of his outstanding talents, ITG will provide Darren Ringer with a complimentary one-year membership. Coordinator Del Lyren extends his appreciation to adjudicators Al Lilly (Centennial Brass, ITG Calendar Editor), and Gary Wurtz (Stephen F. Austin University).