Gulf Coast Brass Weekend and Trumpet Competition	September 1, 2001

The Gulf Coast Trumpet Competition March 16-17, 2001, is a major part of the Gulf Coast Brass Weekend, and it was a tremendous opportunity to play with and hear great musicians. The guest artists were Kevin Clark and Craig Klein. Clark is musical director and trumpet player with the Dukes of Dixieland. In addition to regular performances with the New Orleans Nightcrawlers Brass Band, he has worked with Pete Fountain and many leading orchestras around the country. Clark's recording credits include his solo CD New Orleans Trumpet on Summit Records. Clark is a Yamaha clinician. Yamaha is now distributing Clark's Viper Oil, which is his own formula. Klein is lead trombone with the Harry Connick Jr. Big Band. The group has appeared in television specials for Disney, PBS and CNS. He has performed extensively throughout the world and has recorded with The Neville Brothers, Dr. John and Bruce Hornsby. This two-day event was sponsored partially by a chapter grant from the ITG, Yamaha Corporation of America, Edwards Instrument Company and McNeese State University. The weekend kicked off at 1 p.m. Friday with a concert entitled "Festival of Brass." After opening remarks by Dave Scott, director of the Gulf Coast Trumpet Competition, some of the finest collegiate brass ensembles performed in Squires Recital Hall. The program included: Prelude and Fugue Eric Ewazen Bugler's Holiday Anderson/Hickman University of Louisiana-Lafayette Trumpet Ensemble - Paul Morton, Director Rondo from Little Suite Malcolm Arnold Bryn Calfaria William Holcombe Finale from New World Sym. Dvorak McNeese State University Brass Ensemble - Dave Scott and William Rose, Directors Suite for Five Trumpets Ronald LoPresti Shenandoah Traditional/Olcott Louisiana State University Trumpet Ensemble - Jesse DeJesus, Director Festival Fanfare Joseph Turrin Zoot Suit Riot Steve Perry/Murtha University of Louisiana-Monroe Trumpet Ensemble - Marilynn Gibson, Director A jazz combo clinic was presented by Kevin Clark and Craig Klein at the 3 p.m. session. Ray Lavan, MSU, Brad Black, UL-Lafayette, and Don Woods, LSU, participated. The rhythm section consisted of James Foshee, Eric Foshee and Ammon Young, all from McNeese. The clinicians concentrated on feeling the groove before attempting any solos. A good time was had by all. The evening concert featured Kevin Clark, Craig Klein, Jay Ecker and Richard Bourk. Their playing was characterized by an inviting sound and a virtuosic range of colors. This was the very best in New Orleans jazz. They played straight ahead charts, sang and even included a world music feel. By doing this they were able to musically involve the audience in the performance. We were not watching a concert; we were involved somehow in the creative process. Charlie Mitchell The final round of the Gulf Coast Trumpet Competition was held March 17. Guest adjudicator for the competition was Kevin Clark. Nine high school trumpeters from Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas advanced to the final round. Charlie Mitchell of Lake Charles, La., won first prize and the Major Herman Vincent Award by playing La Mandinolata by Herman Bellstedt. His vibrant sound and variety of colors seemed to come naturally. Second prize went to John Armstrong of Hermitage, Tenn., and third prize went to Nick Fredrick, also of Lake Charles. The other finalists included Wesley Miller, Edward Oden, MaryLin MacNeill, Tony Anderson, Chasity Romero and Justin Kowarsch. To qualify for the final round of the competition, contestants from Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas submitted audio tapes showcasing their talents. The tapes were judged by a preliminary panel. An energetic technology session was presented at 1 p.m. by Bill Rose, who was the moderator for this event. This clinic dealt with music education resources on the Web, including streaming video, on-line registration and access to resources. Kevin Clark and Craig Klein presented the afternoon clinic. The student to play for the clinicians was Ray Lavan. They worked on getting the air moving faster by doing exercises such as "belly pushes" and working on the mental approach to playing of the "as soon as" concept. This concept is derived for the Samuel Krauss exercises. The exhibit area was an exciting addition to this event. The booths included Yamaha Corporation of America, Caldwell Music, Stork Mouthpieces, The Gulf Coast Chapter of IIG Garage Sale, Doc's Music and Summit Records. The Gulf Coast Brass Weekend and Trumpet Competition is starting plans for next year's event. Trying to top this weekend will be a daunting task. Dave Scott, Professor of Trumpet, McNeese State University

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