Trumpet players from UCLA triumph at the National Trumpet Contest held in Lexington, Kentucky
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) trumpet group made a significant impression at the National Trumpet Competition (NTC) in Lexington, Kentucky, with graduate student Ellen Shinogle leading the way. Shinogle not only performed in the ensemble category with her colleagues, but she also triumphed in the Blackburn Trumpets Graduate Solo Division, earning herself a prestigious $3000 cash prize.
Founded in 1991, the NTC is the largest instrument competition in the world, providing a platform for talented young trumpeters from high school and college levels to showcase their skills and launch their careers. Over the years, the competition has featured numerous notable performers, many of whom have gone on to successful careers as trumpet soloists, teachers, and orchestral musicians.
One such notable performer is Ambrose Akinmusire, a celebrated jazz trumpeter and composer who won first place in the Institute of Jazz Performance’s International Trumpet Competition, an affiliate event, in 2007. Akinmusire is a two-time Grammy nominee and has served as Artistic Director for the Institute of Jazz Performance, following in the footsteps of trumpeter Terence Blanchard and bassist Ron Carter.
Another distinguished performer associated with the NTC is Antonio Martí, a prizewinner in numerous international trumpet competitions and currently principal trumpet of the Charleston Symphony. Billy R. Hunter, Jr., principal trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra since 2004, is another example of a high-calibre artist who has emerged from the competitive trumpet scene.
Shinogle's accomplishment at the NTC was not lost on Jens Lindemann, head of the Brass Area in the UCLA Department of Music. Lindemann, who is also an award-winning trumpeter, praised the group's performance at the competition.
In addition to Shinogle, Ben Hare, Natalie Dungey, Chris Chervet, and Kayla Solomon were also chosen to compete as soloists at the NTC. Shinogle's accompanist during her performance was Matthew Tong.
Past performers at the NTC have included Grammy Award Winners Chris Botti, Maynard Ferguson, Randy Brecker, Doc Severinsen, Canadian Brass, Mnozil Brass, and Phil Smith, further underscoring the competition's reputation for showcasing exceptional talent.
With Shinogle's victory, the UCLA trumpet group continues to make a name for itself on the national stage, adding to the long list of distinguished performers who have been associated with the NTC over the years.
The UCLA trumpet group's success at the National Trumpet Competition (NTC) not only showcases their skills but also emphasizes the importance of education-and-self-development in the music industry. Meanwhile, Ellen Shinogle's win in the Blackburn Trumpets Graduate Solo Division offers an opportunity for entertainment and self-development, as she ventures into a future that could lead to a career in music.
