Nick Azelborn, Durward Leeper, and Gordy Birge play for Gordon Mathie

The Smokey Mountain Trumpet Guild (SMTG) was formed in 2005 in Knoxville, TN, as an affiliate chapter of the International Trumpet Guild (ITG). The SMTG aims to foster the appreciation of the trumpet and its many styles and players.  The chapter started with seven members and has grown to include fifty trumpeters---professional players, students, teachers,  “comeback” players, and others who love the trumpet.  Current officers include Cathy Leach, President; Durward Leeper, Vice-President; Tina Erickson, FaceBook group page administrator; Marc Simpson, Activities Director; and Sarah Chumney, Membership Director.

The group’s activities include concerts and clinics with guest artists, an annual swimming party at the home of Durward Leeper complete with trumpet ensemble reading session (to the delight of his neighbors), a composition/arranging competition, and Christmas caroling at a veterans home and the mall. 

SMTG carols at Ben Atchley State Veteran's Nursing Home, Dec. 2008

The chapter’s 2009/2010 plans include playing the National Anthem and ballpark-appropriate tunes at a Knoxville Smokies game August 14, 2009, an audition preparation clinic for middle and senior high students in October, Christmas caroling followed by hot chocolate in December, an equipment seminar by Cliff Blackburn in January, a beginners improvisation clinic by Vance Thompson, jazz trumpet teacher at the University of Tennessee (and former ITG Jazz Competition winner) in Spring 2010, and an officer election.

Links: www.smokeytrumpet.org