KU News Release

KU horn players win top prizes at Kansas Music Teachers Association contest

LAWRENCE — Two University of Kansas students majoring in French horn performance won first place in their respective categories at the recent Kansas Music Teachers Association Collegiate Solo Competitions in Wichita.

Laura Goodenkauf, Lincoln, Neb., senior, and Allison Akins, Lee’s Summit, Mo., sophomore, both studying under Paul Stevens, assistant professor of horn, took top honors at the Nov. 11 competition at Wichita State University.

Goodenkauf won first place in the Junior-Senior Solo Brass category with her performances of Mozart’s “Horn Concerto No. 4” and the first movement of Paul Hindemith’s “Sonata for Horn (1939).” Goodenkauf has been involved in the KU Symphony Orchestra, where she is co-principal horn; New Music Ensemble; KU Wind Ensemble; Horn Ensemble and the Symphonic Band. She also has played with the Lawrence Chamber Orchestra, the Ottawa University Symphony, the Lincoln (Neb.) Municipal Band and the Idyllwild Festival Wind Ensemble in California.

“I am so excited that the hard work I’ve put in over the past four years is paying off,” said Goodenkauf. “It is especially rewarding to travel away from your school, perform outside of your comfort zone and have someone else listen to your music and hear something special in it.”

Goodenkauf is the daughter of Heidi Brownson of Lincoln, Neb., and is a graduate of Lincoln Lutheran Jr.-Sr. High School.

Akins won first place in the Freshman-Sophomore Solo Brass category. She performed movements from Paul Hindemith’s “Sonata for Horn and Piano” and Richard Strauss’ “Concerto No. 1.” Akins has participated in the KU Wind Ensemble, where she is principal horn; KU Symphony Orchestra, where she is co-principal horn; Horn Ensemble and multiple chamber groups.

“Attending the KMTA competition was a great experience,” said Akins. “It drew talented musicians from several universities throughout Kansas, so I was extremely honored to have won my division.”

Akins is the daughter of Richard and Beth Akins of Lee’s Summit, Mo., and is a graduate of Lee’s Summit West High School.

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