The Gulf Coast Brass Weekend and Trumpet Competition	April 20, 2002

David Scott, Jens Lindemann, and Kim Dunnick The Gulf Coast Brass Weekend and Trumpet Competition took place this in Lake Charles, Louisiana, from March 15-16, 2002. The Gulf Coast Trumpet Competition is a major part of the Gulf Coast Brass Weekend and it was a tremendous opportunity to play with and hear great musicians. This year's guest artists included Jens Lindemann (trumpet), William Scharnberg (horn), Kim Dunnick (trumpet) and James West (trumpet). This two-day event was sponsored partially by a chapter grant from the ITG, Yamaha Corporation of America 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 region's finest collegiate brass ensembles performed in Squires Recital Hall. The program included: Suite for Six Trumpets (1989), Dennis Horton University of Louisiana-Lafayette Trumpet Ensemble Paul Morton, Director The Cricket, Orazzio Vecchi Suite For Five Trumpets, Ronald Lo Presti McNeese State University Trumpet Ensemble Dave Scott, Director Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, W.A. Mozart/Turner Frippery No. 13, Something Old Frippery No. 16, Something Blue, Lowell E. Shaw University of Louisiana-Lafayette Horn Choir Catherine Roche-Wallace, director Fanfare from La Peri, Paul Dukas Symphony for Brass and Percussion, Alfred Reed Northwestern State University Brass Ensemble Kristine Coreil, Director James West with McNeese student Josh Lemaire The evening concert featured Lindemann. The auditorium in the old Central School Center of Performing Arts was jammed-packed. His playing was characterized by an inviting sound and a virtuosic range of colors, we witnessed great entertainment as well as poignant musical artistry. Lindemann's first note, a high F, was played from the back of the hall as he began to walk down the stairs to the stage. By the time he finished Girl with the Flaxen Hair, he had the audience completely entranced. His program included his own arrangements for trumpet and piano, Legend by Enesco, Sachse Concertino with brass band and big band charts with the McNeese Jazz Band. The final round of the Gulf Coast Trumpet Competition was held on Saturday, March 16, 2002. Guest adjudicators for the competition were Lindemann and Dunnick. Five high school trumpeters from Louisiana, Tennessee and Texas advanced to the final round. Nick Frederick of Lake Charles, La., won first prize and the Major Herman Vincent Award by playing Aria and Rondo by Fiocco/Frackenpohl. His vibrant sound and variety of colors seem to come naturally. Second prize went to Justin Kowarsch of Lake Charles and third prize went to Spencer Smith of Whitehouse, Texas. The other finalists included MaryLin MacNeill and Tony Anderson. To qualify for the final round of the competition, contestants from Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas submitted audio tapes show casing their talents. The tapes were judged by a preliminary panel. Jens Lindemann with McNeese students Jennifer Theriot, Ray Lavan, and Kip Faulk An energetic technology session was presented at 1 p.m. by West. The session started with Dunnick and West performing Variations on Rock of Ages by Barnhouse. This clinic dealt with using the computer as a metronome to help internalize musical passages. Josh Lemaire of Kaplan, Louisiana volunteered to assist West in this session. Lindemann presented an afternoon clinic. Students that played for Lindemann were Ray Lavan and Josh Lemaire,and they worked on movement, breathing and musical principles. Lindemann pointed out that the trumpet should be an extension of the body. The exhibit area was an exciting addition to this event. The booths included Yamaha Corporation of America, RBC Music, Doc's Music, Trumcor Mutes and Tap Music Sales. Plans for next year's Gulf Coast Brass Weekend and Trumpet Competition events have already started. Trying to top this weekend will be a daunting task. Source: David Scott

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