KU News Release

KU trumpet ensemble chosen as finalist at national competition

LAWRENCE — University of Kansas trumpet students once again received national recognition at the National Trumpet Competition held March 15-18 at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va.

The KU Trumpet Ensemble, made up of undergraduate and graduate trumpet performance students, was selected as a finalist for the second straight year. KU is one of only three schools that has reached the finals in two consecutive years. A total of seven ensembles were chosen as finalists out of the 32 ensembles pre-selected as national semifinalists by submitted recordings. KU performed in the finals with such schools as Northwestern University, University of California-Los Angeles and Boston University.

The KU Trumpet Ensemble performed “City Scapes” by Erik Morales, an original work for five trumpets.

“We are very proud of our students. To be selected as one of the top ensembles of its kind in the country for the second straight year is a tribute to their musicianship and hard work,” said Steve Leisring, assistant professor of trumpet. “The level of excellence necessary to be selected as one of the best at this competition continues to rise every year. Clearly, the talent we have at the Department of Music and Dance at KU is at the level of any music department or conservatory in the country.”

The National Trumpet Competition began in 1992 and has provided performing opportunities, master classes, concerts, historic and commercial exhibits and an educational and supportive environment for almost 3,000 students who represent 40 states and six foreign countries.

The trumpet ensemble members are listed below by hometown, level in school, major, parents’ names and high schools (when available).

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence 66049
George Brahler, junior majoring in voice, son of John and Kelli Brahler; Lawrence Free State High School.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka 66611
James Robert Henry, senior majoring in trumpet, son of Mike and Becky Henry; Topeka High School.

MISSOURI
From Creve Coeur 63141
Justin Alan White, doctoral student in musical arts, son of Neil H. and Ann White; master’s of music from KU, 2006; bachelor’s degree from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Parkway North High School, Maryland Heights, Mo.

TEXAS
From Killeen 76543
Aaron W. Brizuela, master’s student in music, son of Walter Brizuela; bachelor’s degrees from the University of Texas-Arlington and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

PUERTO RICO
From Humacao
William Munoz, master’s student in music; Conservatorio de Musica Puerto Rico.

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