The UNA Trumpet Studio performed in the National Trumpet Competition in Fort Worth, Texas, on March 14.
“It’s building a legacy here at UNA, that our names don’t necessarily have to be a part of,” said Brady Renshaw, a member of the ensemble and senior Music Education major. “It’s more of a studio culture.
The ensemble only made it through the first round of the competition, but did not place in the finals.
The ensemble has been practicing for the NTC for the past two years, according to Michael Vinson, another ensemble member and Music Education student. They have spent that time practicing one piece, Durrenhorn Passage by Kevin McKee.
Vinson said the process of practicing and performing this piece for two years was challenging.
“The amount of time we have had to spend outside of our own scheduled time to get together and rehearse has been difficult,” Vinson said. “But the process has been more informative and educational than ever.”
Vinson said that the ensemble had practiced the piece to near perfection.
The ensemble was directed by Dr. Joseph Gray, Associate Director of Bands and a trumpet instructor at UNA. Vinson said that Gray’s guidance was very hands-on in the early stages of the ensemble’s life, but he stepped back more as the group continued to improve.
Being able to participate in a national competition like NTC impacted the ensemble members greatly, according to Della Smithson, another ensemble member.
“It just means a lot to be able to participate in something like this,” said Smithson. “Small schools don’t get represented [at NTC] a lot.”
