News From The Trumpet World

The University of Georgia trumpet studio hosted the annual Trumpet Festival of the Southeast this January 13– 15.

The guest artists at this year’s festival were Marcus Printup from the Jazz @ Lincoln Center Orchestra and Craig Morris from University of Miami. Special guests for the festival included Dr. Mark DeGoti (Auburn University), Dr. Brad Ulrich (Western Carolina University) and Dr. Eric Yates (University of Alabama).

Following registration, the festival began with a fanfare from the Eastern Kentucky Trumpet Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Joseph Van Fleet. After some brief introductions and announcements, the students attended trumpet ensemble rehearsals led by DeGoti and Yates.

That evening, Marcus Printup soloed with the UGA Jazz Band and performed with a smaller combo and even a couple improvised duos for trumpet and percussion. The crowd responded to the performance with a standing ovation. Printup also appeared at the jam session following the concert.

On Saturday the 14^th, the day began with a group warm-up led by Ulrich. Master classes ensued with Printup giving a class on jazz trumpet players, addressing everyone from Louis Armstrong to Wynton Marsalis. Craig Morris gave a class on audition preparation, covering everything from finding out about the audition, to audition day routines. Next was the trumpet ensemble concert, featuring pre-formed collegiate trumpet ensembles as well as a high school and mass college/professional group that were assembled at the festival. A performance of Great Gate of Kiev from Pictures at an Exhibition (arranged by Dr. Brad Ulrich) performed by college professors at the festival highlighted the trumpet ensemble concert.

On Saturday evening, Craig Morris performed a solo recital that included Antheil Sonata, Chardon’s Sonata for Trumpet in D and Cello, and concluded with his own transcription of 13 Melodies for Trumpet by Philip Glass (originally for saxophone).

On the final morning of the festival, the university professors gathered for a forum discussion on everything trumpet, with many students in attendance. One student from Western Carolina University even played for the group of professors, as all gave him comments and suggestions.

Source: Dr. Brandon Craswell, Assistant Professor of Trumpet, University of Georgia

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