Patrylak with student ensemble

The 5th annual International Trumpet Seminar took place July 19th –26th, 2009 on the campus of Grand Valley State University near Grand Rapids, Michigan. The seminar, under the direction of Richard Stoelzel and Paul Mueller, brought together some sixty students and guest artists sharing pedagogy and performance from around the globe. The seminar at GVSU presents a unique environment for students of all ages, designed for high school to professional trumpeters to grow and learn. This year, participants came from Turkey, China, Germany, and the USA. One high school student remarked, “this seminar is like taking an Advanced Placement course: you get all the benefits and privileges without a grade or any stress.” The seminar faculty included Erden Bilgen (state soloist from Turkey), Matthias Kamps (assistant trumpet with the Opera Comique in Berlin), Daniel Patrylak (former director of the Eastman School of Music), Phil Collins (former principal trumpet with the Cincinnati Symphony), Rex Richardson (jazz and international trumpet soloist), Mark Clodfelter (associate professor of trumpet, University of Kentucky), Richard Stoelzel and Kevin Maloney (trumpet faculty at GVSU), and Jean Moorehead Libs (trumpet faculty at Concordia University). The Yamaha artists and headline performers were Richard Stoelzel, Allen Vizzutti, Vince DiMartino, and Rex Richardson. Completing the faculty were two collaborative pianists, Rebecca Wilt and Ksenia Leletkina, who accompanied trumpeters the entire week. Bob Malone, designer and master craftsman for Yamaha Instruments, also gave a lecture.

After the students checked into their state-of-the art student housing accommodations they had a catered Mexican dinner and were greeted by all the faculty artists detailing the schedule for the week. The first day ended with a solo recital by Rex Richardson accompanied by Ksenia Leletkina. The two performed a wide variety of literature from Tartini to Richardson’s own jazz compositions.

Early the next morning students from age fourteen to thirty auditioned for placement in trumpet ensembles, which were then assigned a faculty coach for rehearsals. The daily schedule included rotating morning warm-up classes followed by group lessons and trumpet ensemble. The seven ensembles rotated among the faculty each day for their coaching sessions, allowing opportunities to experience multiple teaching and performance styles. After lunch the students partook of music exhibits and attended master classes, in which dozens of students received instruction on various concepts and literature. There was also time set aside for individual practice and rehearsals with accompanist Rebecca Wilt in preparation for the solo competition held later in the week. Each evening featured a concert with guest artists and the faculty trumpet ensemble.

Stoetzel performs

On Friday all students were invited to participate in the annual solo competition, generously sponsored by Meyer Music of Grand Rapids. The competition consisted of two divisions: college (both undergraduate and graduate) and high school. The first, second and honorable mention prizes included a full tuition scholarship, a silent brass system and other cash awards. After several rehearsals with Miss Wilt over 30 students auditioned for the faculty panels performing a wide variety of literature over several hours. The prize recipients of the solo competition were:

College Division First Prize: Utku Akyol, student of Erden Bligen Performing the Arutuntian Concerto, Second Prize: Hunter Eberly, student of Richard Stoelzel Performing the Telemann Concerto, Honorable mention: AlexWilson, student of Richard Stoelzel and Jean Moorehead Libs performing Danse by Desenclos

High School Division First Prize: Matt Baker, student of William G. Lucas Performing Enescu’s Legend, Second Prize: George Goad, student of Greg Good Performing the Pakhmutova Concerto, Honorable mention: Patrick Fritz, student of Veselin Bozhilov Performing Brandt’s Concert Etude

DiMartino & Richardson in concert

Saturday night, Allen Vizzutti, Vince DiMartino, and Rex Richardson gave a concert with the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra. The evening was filled to the brim with a mix of trumpet techniques, range, and style. At the concert, Vince DiMartino received an Artist in Residence award for his performance and teaching dedication, and Daniel Patrylak received a lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to the music industry. On the final day of the International Trumpet Seminar, students attended a morning master class with Allen Vizzutti and had the opportunity to learn his pedagogical views providing the students with a large arsenal of problem-solving techniques. Students presented their ensembles and hard-work in the final concert. The first and second place solo competition winners took the stage alternating with the seven trumpet ensembles, each performing a variety of works. The program’s grand finale featured a mass trumpet ensemble accompanying Allen Vizzutti’s one-of-a-kind rendition of Rafael Méndez’s La Virgin de la Macarena.

Vizzzutti with ensemble

For more information about these International Trumpet Seminar Yamaha Artists visit their respective web sites:

Mark Clodfelter www.markcoldfelter.com

Vince DiMartino www.centre.edu/web/academic/faculty

Rex Richardson www.rexrichardson.net

Richard Stoelzel www.trumpetone.com

Allen Vizzutti www.vizzutti.com

The 2010 Seminar dates are July 18^th – 25^th on the campus of Grand Valley State University with special guest artist Wayne Bergeron. See www.gvsuseminar.com for more detailed information and online application.

Sources: Jean Moorehead Libs and Jeff Northman