Brass

Trumpet

UK has a long history of excellence in trumpet. UK has twice hosted the International Trumpet Guild Conference, first in 1982 (Vince DiMartino, host) and again in 1998 (Terry Everson, host). UK hosted the National Trumpet Competition in 2019. The UK Trumpet Ensemble has performed at multiple International Trumpet Guild Conference has taken first prize at the National Trumpet Competition (2004) as well as second prize in 2016 and 2014. The UK trumpet ensemble has recorded two compacts discs, Competition Pieces for Trumpet Ensemble (2015) and Andromeda: New Music for Trumpet Ensembles (2019).

The UK trumpet studio has an esteemed reputation for placement into full-time positions as college professors, band directors, military musicians, orchestral performers, church musicians, and arts administrators. Examples of recent UK trumpet graduates include Julian Kaplan (principal trumpet, Kansas City Symphony), Marisa Youngs (trumpet professor, Winthrop University), Sabrina Musick (U.S. Marine Band, San Diego), Rui Li (National Center for Performing Arts Orchestra, China), and Matthew McMahon (Admin, St. Louis Symphony). UK trumpeters have also recently won first prize (Chase Hawkins) and third prize (Jared Wallis) in the National Trumpet Competition's solo divisions as well.

UK is particularly recognized for its excellence in historical brass. New in 2017, UK offers a Certificate in Baroque Trumpet to prepare students for trailblazing opportunities in the rapidly growing field of Baroque trumpet performance.  The UK Baroque Trumpet Ensemble, one of the largest in the world, has recorded two compact discs: Music for Natural Trumpets (2017) and John Hyde: A New and Complete Preceptor for Trumpet and Bugle Horn (2020). During their studies at UK,  Baroque trumpet students have been employed with professional baroque orchestras including Mountainside Baroque (Cumberland, MD) and Bourbon Baroque (Louisville, KY).

Jason Dovel joined the UK trumpet faculty in 2013 after establishing a large, dynamic trumpet program in Oklahoma at Northeastern State University. Dovel's teaching and performing interests are quite broad. His creative activities range from playing Baroque trumpet and Renaissance cornetto to performing avant-garde contemporary music. In 2012, Dovel published the only anthology of music for trumpet and computer in the article, "A Guide to Literature for Trumpet with Electroacoustic Accompaniment" in the International Trumpet Guild Journal. Dovel encourages students' pursuits of all aspects of music and encourages them to seek a well-rounded musical education.

Check below for information on audition requirements for both Undergraduate and Graduate Applicants, baroque trumpet opportunities, special classes with guest artist, and more.

See the Trumpet Ensemble page if you are interested in performing with a student group - open to all UK students by audition, regardless of major or minor.

Undergraduate Auditions

Students wishing to gain admittance into undergraduate programs with a concentration in Trumpet should be prepared to present the following material in an audition:

  • Two contrasting works that demonstrate your ability technically and musically. One of these can be your All-State or District solo.
  • Major and Chromatic Scales as requested.
  • Possible Sight Reading.
  • Any additional material that you feel exemplifies your musicianship and versatility (i.e. excerpts, jazz, etc.)

Please direct any questions to: jason.dovel@uky.edu

Masters Auditions

Students wishing to gain admittance into the Master of Music program with a concentration in Trumpet should be prepared to present the following material in an audition:

  • A 15-20 minute audition consisting of repertoire that demonstrates your ability technically and musically.
  • At least two contrasting solo works. (Single movements from larger works are acceptable.)
  • At least three standard orchestral excerpts. (Students interested in a jazz emphasis may substitute a transcription and demonstration of jazz improvisation in lieu of orchestral excerpts.)

It is recommended (not required) that you select from the following orchestral excerpts: 

  • Beethoven – Leonore Overture (2 and 3)
  • Mussorgsky – Pictures at an Exhibition (Promenade)
  • Respighi – Pines of Rome (off-stage solo)
  • Stravinsky - Petrushka (Ballerina’s Dance)
  • Mahler – Symphony No. 5

You may also feel free to play any additional material that exemplifies your musicianship and versatility. (i.e. jazz improvisation, lead trumpet, baroque trumpet, etc.)
Piano accompaniment is not required.
There may be sight reading.

Please direct any questions to: jason.dovel@uky.edu

Doctoral Auditions

Students wishing to gain admittance into doctoral level programs with a concentration in Trumpet should be prepared to present the following material in an audition:

  • A 20-30 minute audition consisting of repertoire that demonstrates your ability technically and musically.
  • At least three contrasting solo works. (Single movements from larger works are acceptable.)
  • At least three standard orchestral excerpts. It is recommended (not required) that you select from the following orchestral excerpts: 
    • Beethoven – Leonore Overture (2 and 3)
    • Mussorgsky – Pictures at an Exhibition (Promenade)
    • Respighi – Pines of Rome (off-stage solo)
    • Stravinsky - Petrushka (Ballerina’s Dance)
    • Mahler – Symphony No. 5 (opening solo)

You may also feel free to play any additional material that exemplifies your musicianship and versatility. (i.e. jazz improvisation, lead trumpet, baroque trumpet, etc.)
Piano accompaniment is not required. There may be sight reading.

Please direct any questions to: jason.dovel@uky.edu

Baroque Trumpet

The Baroque (or "natural") trumpet is the valveless ancestor of the modern trumpet. The University of Kentucky is one of the few universities in the country that offers early brass opportunities to its students.  A Certificate in Baroque Trumpet is now available for those wishing to specialize their brass education.  Students who are interested may check out a Baroque trumpet and receive private instruction. Students should notify Dr. Dovel early in the semester about their interest in early music, as a limited number of instruments are available.

Listen to the UK Baroque Trumpet Ensemble perform David Buhl's Military Fanfare on YouTube.

Students who are studying Baroque trumpet are expected to have a copy of Ed Tarr's The Art of the Baroque Trumpet Playing, Volume One and bring it to each of their lessons. This book is available for purchase at the Baroque Trumpet Shop.

Required Text: Ed Tarr, The Art of Baroque Trumpet Playing, Vol 1

Students participating in Baroque Trumpet Ensemble should enroll in MUC 171: Baroque Trumpet Ensemble.

Students taking private lessons should sign up for one of the following courses:

Undergraduate:
MUP 322 Section 001 - HISTORICAL INSTRUMENTS: BAROQUE TRUMPET
or
MUP 422 Section 001 - HISTORICAL INSTRUMENTS: BAROQUE TRUMPET

Graduate:
MUP 522 Section 001 - HISTORICAL INSTRUMENTS: BAROQUE TRUMPET      
or
MUP 622 Section 001 - HISTORICAL INSTRUMENTS: BAROQUE TRUMPET

Serious students who are interested in the Renaissance cornetto may also incorporate study on that instrument into their private lessons. The cornetto is a hybrid instrument, with a wooden body similar to that of a recorder and a trumpet-like mouthpiece. The cornetto (Italian) is also know as the cornett (English) and the zink (German). Currently, UK does not own any cornetti, so interested students must provide their own instruments.

Guest Artists

2016

  • US Army Baroque Trumpets, United States Army Old Guard Historical Trumpets (Worked with students as part of UK Baroque Trumpet Day as well as UK BrassFest​)
  • Friedemann Immer, Hochschule für Musik Köln (Cologne, Germany) (February 22, 2016)
  • Anthony Plog, International Performer/composer (February 25, 2016)
  • Terry Everson, Professor, Boston University (March 2, 2016)
  • Matthew Ernst, Principal Trumpet, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (March 24, 2016)
  • Rex Richardson, International Performer (April 14, 2016)
  • Allen Vizzutti, International Performer (April 22-24, 2016)

2015

  • Nate Wooley, New York-based jazz and avant-garde trumpeter (natewooley.com)
  • Etienne Stoupy, Trumpet professor, Texas Woman's University
  • John Foster, Australian trumpeter and international soloist (Offered private lessons, presented a master class, and performed a concert with UK students. Mr. Foster specializes on the Baroque natural trumpet.)
  • Curt Christensen, Retired principal trumpet of the U.S. Air Force Band in Washington, DC
  • Dr. Gary Wurtz, Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas (visited the UK Trumpet Studio to present a master class)
  • Dr. Max Matzen, Trumpet professor at Utah State University (Presented a master class , as well as a lecture recital "Extended Techniques for the Trumpet")
  • Dr. Brad Ulrich, Western Carolina University
  • Dr. Eric Yates, University of Alabama, Fortress Brass Quintet
  • Dr. Anne Kovarik McNamara, Trumpet Professor, Campbellsville University (Presented a mini recital and master class), Anne, Dr. Jason Dovel (UK trumpet professor), and Steve Siegel (UK trumpet TA) all were students of James Kluesner in Virginia
  • Dr. Brittany Hendricks, Ball State University (Presented a master class in the Black Box Theatre and a recital in the Niles Gallery)

2014

  • Gaudette Brass, Professional brass quintet based in Chicago, as part of UK BrassFest
  • Dr. Denny Edelbrock, Executive Director, National Trumpet Competition and trumpet professor at George Mason University
  • Langston Fitzgerald, Professor of Trumpet, Penn State University
  • Logan Place, Professor of Trumpet, Southeastern Louisiana University (Dr. Place played a solo recital in Memorial Hall, and presented a master class in St. Augustine's Chapel)
  • Jonathan Stites, 3rd Trumpet, Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra (Florida), UK alum (BMME and BM)
  • Dr. Robert Murray, Professor of Trumpet, Columbus State University (Georgia)
  • Dr. Jason Crafton, Trumpet professor, Virginia Tech
  • Dr. Ryan Gardner, Trumpet professor, Oklahoma State
  • Dr. Raquel Rodriguez, Trumpet professor, Northern Kentucky University
  • Rich Illman, Trumpet professor, Michigan State University
  • U.S. Air Force Wright Brass Quintet, Guests as part of UK BrassFest​
  • Stephen Campbell, Principal trumpet of the Lexington Philharmonic
  • Stiletto Brass Quintet, The highly acclaimed all-female quintet presented a clinic in September

2013

  • Alan Seibert -President of the International Trumpet Guild, Professor of Trumpet, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
  • Arturo Sandoval, Internationally performing trumpet soloist

 

Accolades
  • The UK Faculty Brass Quintet performed and taught throughout the SEC as part of the SEC Faculty Travel Program in 2019-2020 (Read more)
  • The UK Trumpet Studio hosted the 2019 National Trumpet Competition on UK’s Campus, where they had three ensembles perform as well as three soloists. 
  • UK trumpet studio released its third CD, titled Andromeda: New Music for Trumpet Ensemble. (2019)
  • UK Alum Jared Wallis placed third at the national trumpet in the Graduate solo division of the 2019 National Trumpet Competition. 
  • Jeff Barrington was appointed trumpet instructor at Campbellsville University. (2019)
  • Marissa Young was appointed trumpet professor at Winthrop University. (2018)
  • Steve Siegel was appointed assistant professor of trumpet at Western Colorado University. (2018)
Alumni
  • John Altman, U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors
  • Timothy Altman (DMA Trumpet Performance), former Director of Bands, University of North Carolina-Pembroke
  • Peter Bellino, Trumpet Professor, Schenectady Community College (New York), Performances with the Buffalo Philharmonic, New York Repertory Orchestra, Air Force Band of the Midwest, Walt Disney World, Jeff Tyzik and Gap Mangione Big Bands, Aretha Franklin, Doc Severinsen, Jamey Aebersold, Oliver Lake and James Williams.
  • Lamar Boulet, Freelance trumpeter, Houston, TX, Disney All Collegiate Orchestra and Medley Band, 1989, Jazz Writing Scholarship at University of Maimi, 1991-1993, Universal Studios, Orlando, 1994-2012
  • Brandon Craswell (DMA Trumpet Performance), Trumpet Professor and Brass Area Chair, University of Georgia
  • Tim Dailey (BM Performance, BMME Music Education), MM Performance - University of Arkansas (Trumpet Studio Graduate Assistant), 2011, D.M.A. Performance - University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (Trumpet Studio Graduate Assistant), 2013
  • James Darling, Former member, The Cleveland Orchestra, Recording Artist
  • Evan Duke, Duke Music Studio, Distinctive Music Studio, Artios Academy, Trumpet & French Horn Instruction, Masterclass Clinician, Brass Coach, GCYO
  • Todd Hastings, Professor of Trumpet at Pittsburg State University (KS)
  • Brad Goode, Associate Professor of Jazz Studies, University of Colorado
  • Phillip Chase Hawkins (MM), Principal Trumpet, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra
  • Dwayne Hollenbach, Lecturer of Trumpet, University of Nevada at Reno, Principal trumpet, Reno Baroque Ensemble
  • Gordon Henderson, Former Director of Bands, Professor of Music, Vice Chair of the Music Department at UCLA
  • Caden Holmes (BM), trumpet teaching assistantship at Oklahoma State University
  • Richard Illman, Former Professor of Trumpet, Michigan State University
  • Al Hood, Professor of Trumpet, University of Denver
  • Bart Jones, 3rd Trumpet, Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, New Hampshire Music Festival, Formerly member of Alabama Symphony Orchestra, the Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Oklahoma City, Queen City Brass Quintet, Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, and Lakeside Symphony
  • Julian Kaplan, Principal Trumpet, Kansas City Symphony, Formerly Principal Trumpet, Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra
  • Conner Kinmon, Director of Bands at Henderson County High School in Henderson, KY
  • Paul Klontz, Trumpet in The U.S. Army "Pershing's Own," 1990-Present, Assistant Professor of Trumpet at University of Montana at Billings 1990-1991
  • DiaShamar Marshall, Appointed band director at Lynhurst 7th and 8th Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Also in 2017, DiaShamar was appointed an instructor with the Cadets DCI Drum Corps.
  • Rui "Ray" Li (DMA), full-time musician in the trumpet section of the National Centre for Performing Arts Orchestra in Beijing, China
  • Doug Martin, Lawyer for Sturgill, Turner, Barker & Moloney, PLLC
  • Eric Masters, Band Director, Paris High School
  • Sam Miller, Lawyer in Texas
  • Michael Miles, former Associate Director of Orchestral Activities, Professor of Music, former Director of the School of Music, University of Southern Mississippi
  • Eric Millard, Completed Master's degree at Florida State; currently pursuing doctorate at Florida State
  • Sabrina Musick, Trumpeter in the U.S. Marine Band
  • Eric Murine, Director of the University of Kentucky RocKats, Trumpet, Soul Funkin Dangerous
  • Tara Nogle, Public school music teacher
  • Rob Parton, Professor of Trumpet, Capital University
  • Paul Rathke, Fine Arts Chair, Grand Prairie Regional College in Canada (Alberta, Canada)
  • Katie Safa (MM), Director of Bands at Barker Middle School in Michigan City, Indiana
  • Steven Siegel, Lecturer of Music at Western State Colorado University in Gunnison, CO
  • Stuart Smith, Faculty, Mclean School of Music (McLean, Virginia)
  • Greg Sturgill (MM), Trumpet Instructor, Campbellsville College 1994, Full Tuition Scholarship for doctoral study at University of Cincinnati, 1991, U.K. Concerto Competition Winner, 1990, Aspen Award, 1990
  • Jonathan Stites, Band director for Fayette County Schools, Kentucky, Formerly 3rd Trumpet, Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra
  • Tim Stutler, Minister of Music in Glasgow, KY, First Trumpet Disney All Collegiate Band 1989, First Trumpet at Busch Gardens at Williamsburg 1990-1991
  • Bernard Walker, Nashville freelance and studio performer, Teaching Fellowship at Arkansas State University, Trumpet in The Memphis Symphony, Solo Eb Cornet in The Jack Daniel's Silver Cornet Band
  • Jared Wallis (BM) Teaching Assistant, Eastman School of Music
  • Steve Walters, Teaching Assistant at The Eastman School of Music 1982, ITG Jazz Finalist in 1979, Freelance musician Orlando, Florida
  • David Welch, Teaching Assistantship at University of Northern Colorado 1985, Glenn Miller Orchestra, 1986-1987 (Lead Trumpet), Employed at Disney Productions in Orlando 1989-1994, Music teacher in Jefferson Co. Schools, Owner and trumpet player at Louisville Brass Quintet
Media

UK Trumpet Ensemble prize-winning performance at the 2014 National Trumpet Competition

Dr. Dovel

First Movement (Allegro) Sonata in D (G. 3) by Giuseppe Torelli (Jason Dovel, trumpet)
Third Movement (Allegro) Sonata in D (G. 3) by Giuseppe Torelli (Jason Dovel, trumpet)
Sonata per Clarino in C-Dur by C. H. Biber (Jason Dovel, trumpet)
Centennial Horizon by Kevin McKee (Jason Dovel, trumpet)
Gabriel's Oboe by Ennio Morricone (Jason Dovel, trumpet)
First Movement (Allegro moderato), Sonata for Trumpet by Halsey Stevens (Jason Dovel, trumpet)
"A Stroll Through Kalavrita" (Jason Dovel, composer)
​Fantini Ricercata for Baroque Trumpet
​Multiphonics Etude (Jason Dovel, composer)
​Cantus for Trumpet and Electronics

UK Trumpet Ensemble

"Into The Blue" (Kevin McKee)
"The Storm's Path" (Brian Balmages)
"Soundings" (Brian Balmages)

UK Baroque Trumpet Ensemble

Military ("Olympic") Fanfare 
"Overture from William Tell" (arr. Jason Dovel)
Six Prussian Calvary Marches (arr. Baum)
Improvised Sonata

Trumpet Alums

Rui Li, trumpet plays "Night Songs" with the UK Symphony Orchestra
Rui Li Free Improv Video
Rui Li plays "Water Music" (Free Improv piece) 
Chase Hawkins plays "Ligeti's Mysteries of the Macabre (Live performance as winner in the Graduate Solo Division at the 2012 National Trumpet Competition)
Chase Hawkins plays "Litany for a Ruined Chapel Between Sheep and Shore" (Peter Maxwell Davies)

Summer Opportunities

Students are encourage to participate in the many summer opportunities that exist for brass players. These are wonderful opportunities for growth in the summer months. Some of these festivals offer financial compensation, some offer scholarships, and some are pay-to-play. If you have questions about any of these festivals, visit the festival website or contact your professor for their experience.

Please note: The University of Kentucky and the College of Fine Arts cannot guarantee these opportunities or the legitimacy of these employers. Please visit the websites for official information, and be sure to do thorough research before committing time and especially money to any project.
Teaching Assistants

yuen headshotVictor Yuen

Victor Yuen, a native of Hong Kong, will be a doctoral trumpet candidate at the University of Kentucky, under the tutelage of Professor Jason Dovel starting fall 2021. Before starting at UK, Victor attended the Eastman School of Music, where he earned a BM in 2016 and a MM in 2019, under the guidance of Professor James Thompson. Victor also studies Baroque trumpet with Jason Dovel, Brain Shaw, and Jared Wallis.

Victor is an active member in various groups in different genres in and out of school, including the Eastman Wind Ensemble, Eastman Brass Guild, Eastman Opera, Eastman Baroque Trumpet Ensemble, NIU Banda, Eastman Philharmonia, Ensemble Perihipsous, East End Brass and Eastman Jazz Lab Band. In 2016, he was part of the Eastman large trumpet ensemble which advanced to semi-finals for National Trumpet Competition. Victor is a found member of the NIU Banda, Eastman Baroque Trumpet Ensemble, and also International Trumpet Guild Eastman Chapter.

In Hong Kong, he performs regularly with the jazz group 5422 Collectives, as well as Cammer Musicus, serving as the Baroque trumpet player He also performed with international pop star Coco Lee, Grammy Award winner Jerry Freeman and Darnell Phillips, and S.O.S. Band members Abdul Ra'oof and Sultan Muhammad. Victor is an aspiring brass instrument repairman and worked at Rich Ita's Brass Instrument Workshop in Atlanta, GA. Victor has played with the Diocesan Wind Orchestra in Hong Kong and traveled around the world to competitions including the Singapore International Band Festival and the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, Netherlands. In 2020, Victor co-founded Antique Brass Exchange, one of the Chicagoland's largest dealers of rare and vintage brass instruments.

Victor's primary teachers include Dr. Jason Dovel (UK), Dr. Chris Scanlon (NIU) and James Thompson (Eastman). Other teachers include Boyde Hood, Brian Shaw, Anthony Plog, Jared Wallis, Ka Hing Fung, as well as performing in masterclasses of and taking lessons from Vince DiMartino, Mark Gould, Ethan Bensdorf, Ken DeCarlo, Jim Wilt, Wayne DuMaine, Joan Lamolino, Gino Villanueva, Ron Romm, Charles Daval, Barbara Hull, and Mark Ponzo, amongst others.

At UK, Victor will serve as teaching assistant for the trumpet studio as well as music theory department. Welcome, Victor!

stunkard headshotAustin Stunkard

Austin Stunkard is a highly active and motivated trumpeter who has performed at notable Jazz Festivals such as the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival in Wilmington, Delaware, as well as the Casibari Jazz Festival on the island of Aruba. Aside from performing with his own groups, Stunkard has performed with notable jazz musicians such as Doc Severinsen, Benny Green, Wycliffe Gordon, Vince DiMartino, Terri Lyne Carrington, Joel Frahm, Alan Hood, John Fedchock, and many others. In May of 2020, Stunkard released his first Jazz album as a band-leader entitled "Zingo." Stunkard has been involved in the recording and production of other separate albums: "Live at the NSU Jazz Lab" (2015) by Northeastern State University Jazz combo I, and "Compared to Now" (2018) by Dean Demerritt.

During his time at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Stunkard performed with the NSU Trumpet Ensemble throughout Greece as part of the Exploring Trumpet in Greece international festival. At NSU, Stunkard studied trumpet with Benjamin Hay, as well as UK's current trumpet professor, Dr. Jason Dovel.

After receiving his B.A. in Jazz Studies from Northeastern State University, Stunkard was contracted to work for Royal Caribbean Cruises, and he also actively performs with the Oklahoma City Jazz Orchestra and Edmond Jazz Orchestra. In 2020, he completed a Master's degree in Commercial Music Production from the University of Central Oklahoma.

What Stunkard enjoys most about his work is continuing to inspire individuals in whatever areas of life they may be passionate. As well as to always deliver a positive message through music. Discovering that passion from many great teachers is what continues to drive his creativity to share his music with others. Welcome, Austin!

Barton headshotMadison Barton

Madison Barton is a returning second year master's student who is a newly appointed teaching assistant at UK. Madison Barton is originally from the small town of Van Alstyne, Texas. After graduating high school in 2015, Madison attended Texas A&M University Commerce where she received a BM in Music Performance. She is currently a student at the University of Kentucky where she is pursuing a Master of Music in performance as well as a Certificate in Baroque Trumpet. At UK, she serves as a graduate trumpet teaching assistant and plays with UK Symphony Orchestra, Baroque Trumpet Ensemble, and Faculty Brass Quintet. She has performed in ensembles associated with the McKinney Community Jazz Band, Dallas Winds, and the Dallas Symphony. Madison is an active member of the International Women's Brass Conference, and the International Trumpet Guild, and an alumnus of Kappa Kappa Psi.

Trombone

Trombone students at the University of Kentucky are actively engaged in world-class performance opportunities in all styles and genres of music. Trombone Students at the University of Kentucky have many diverse performance opportunities such as the Trombone Choir, the Wind Symphony, the Symphony Band, the Concert Band, the Opera Orchestra, the Jazz Ensemble, the Jazz Lab Band, Jazz Combos, the Wildcat Marching Band, and the Symphony Orchestra. We are proud to acknowledge the fact that members of the studio recently performed with the University of Kentucky Jazz Ensemble at both the North Sea and Montreux Jazz Festivals in Europe while simultaneously preparing for the University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra’s side-by-side concert with the Boston Pops.

To schedule a visit and for more information on Undergraduate and Graduate studies within the University of Kentucky Trombone Studio, please contact Professor Bradley Kerns.

Media

Tuba-Euphonium

The University of Kentucky Tuba-Euphonium Studio consists of students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in music as well as talented non-majors throughout the university. The UK Tuba/Euphonium Studio was founded by Rex Conner, the first full-time Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at any university in the world, in the Fall of 1960. Professor Conner led the UK Tuba/Euphonium Studio from 1960 to 1980. Then from 1980 to 2018, Dr. Skip Gray led the studio. The studio is currently under the direction of Dr. Matt Hightower.

Former members of the studio have included winners, finalists, and semifinalists of various competitive music festivals, including the Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Competition, ITEC Tuba and Euphonium Solo Competitions, ITEC Tuba and Euphonium Quartet Competition, the ITEC Mock Orchestral Auditions, the SERTEC Tuba and Euphonium Solo Competition, the Potomac Music Festival Solo Contest, the Susan Slaughter International Solo Competition, the "Pershing's Own" National Collegiate Solo Competition, the Aspen Music Festival Concerto Competition, and the Yamaha Young Performing Artist Competition, among others. Alumni of the UK Tuba/Euphonium Studio hold major positions at colleges and universities across the country as well as in some of the world's leading musical ensembles.

Tuba and Euphonium students have an opportunity to perform with the UK Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble.

Undergraduate Auditions

For Undergraduate auditions, please prepare two contrasting works. These can be etudes or contrasting movements/sections from a solo work. Scales up to four sharps, four flats, and sight reading may be asked. 

Recommended Studies - Tuba

  • Marco Bordogni : 43 Bel Canto Studies
  • Concone/Shoemaker Legato Etudes for tuba/bass trombone
  • Clarke Technical Studies
  • Reginald Fink Studies in Legato
  • Vladislav Blazehvich: 70 Tuba Studies Vol I
  • Vladislav Blazehvich: 70 Tuba Studies Vol II
  • C. Kopprash 60 Selected Studies for Tuba
  • H.W. Tyrell 40 Advanced Studies for Tuba
  • Phil Snedecor Low Etudes for Tuba Vol I
  • Phil Snedecor Low(er) Etudes for Tuba Vol II
  • The Brass Gym
  • Michael Davis 20 Minute Warm Up
  • Full Range Major/Minor Scales & Arpeggios

Recommended Excerpts - Tuba

  • Stars & Stripes-Sousa
  • Toccata Marziale-Vaughan Williams
  • The Planets-Holst
  • Ein Heldenleben-Strauss
  • Ride of the Valkyries-Wagner
  • Die Meistersinger Overture-Wagner
  • Ein Faust Overture-Wagner
  • Symphony No. 5-Prokofiev
  • Hungarian March-Berlioz
  • Symphony No. 1-Mahler
  • Symphony No. 5-Mahler
  • Pertroushka-Stravinsky
  • Fountains of Rome-Resphigi
  • Symphonic Metamorphosis-Hindemith
  • Symphony Fantastique-Berlioz

Recommended Solos - Tuba

  • Fantasy for Solo Tuba-Malcolm Arnold
  • Air & Bouree-Arr. William Bell
  • Introduction & Dance-J.E. Barat
  • Andante and Rondo-Capuzzi
  • Sonata No. 1-Marcello Arr. Little
  • Sketches for Tuba & Piano-Martin McFarland
  • Sonata for Tuba-Thomas Beversdorf
  • Concerto for Tuba-Edward Gregson
  • Sonata for Tuba-Walter Hartley
  • Sonata fur Tuba und Klavier-Paul Hindemith
  • Concerto in One Movement-Lebedev
  • Serenade No. 12-Persechetti 
  • Impromptus-Robert Muczynski

Recommended Studies - Euphonium

  • Rochut Melodius Etudes
  • Concone/Shoemaker Legato Etudes for Trombone
  • Clarke Technical Studies
  • Bousquet 36 Celebrated Studies for Baritone or Trombone
  • Steven Mead New Concert Studies Vol. I
  • Reginald Fink Studies in Legato
  • Vladislav Blazehvich: 70 Tuba Studies Vol I (low register training)
  • C. Kopprash 60 Selected Studies for Trombone Book 1
  • C. Kopprasch 60 Selected Studies for Trombone Book II
  • Voxman Selected Studies for Baritone
  • H.W. Tyrell 40 Progressive Studies for Trombone
  • The Brass Gym
  • Michael Davis 20 Minute Warm Up
  • Full Range Major/Minor Scales & Arpeggios
  • Clef Studies (treble, bass, tenor) Blazevich, Fink etc.

Recommended Excerpts - Euphonium

  • Stars & Stripes-Sousa
  • Colonial Song-Grainger
  • Molly on the Shore-Grainger
  • When Jesus Wept-Shuman
  • Festive Overture-Shostakovich/Hunsberger
  • Toccata Marziale-Vaughan Williams
  • Second Suite in F-Holst
  • The Planets-Holst
  • Bydlo-Mussorgsky/Ravel
  • Theme and Variations-Shoenberg
  • Roman Carnival Overture-Berlioz/Godfrey III
  • Pinapple Poll-Sullivan/Mackerras 
  • Ein Heldenleben-Strauss
  • Don Quixote--Strauss

Recommended Solos - Euphonium

  • Rhapsody for Euphonium-James Curnow
  • Beautiful Colorado-DeLuca
  • A Walk in the Woods-Jiro Censhu
  • Fantasy Variations-Ito Yasuhide
  • Sonata for Euphonium and Piano-Eric Ewazen
  • Concert Piece-P.V. De La Nux
  • Andante and Rondo-Capuzzi
  • Bassoon Concerto-W.A. Mozart
  • Mirror Lake-Edward Montgomery
  • Sonata for Unaccompanied Euphonium-Clinard
  • Fantasy-Philip Sparke
  • Lyric Suite-Donald White
  • Variations for Ophicleide-Kummer
  • Fantasy Pieces for Euphonium-Derek Bourgeois
  • The Green Hill-Bert Appermont
Graduate Auditions

For Graduate students auditioning to join the program, please prepare a graduate level solo work and 3-5 standard band or orchestral excerpts. 

Recommended Excerpts - Tuba

  • Stars & Stripes-Sousa
  • Toccata Marziale-Vaughan Williams
  • The Planets-Holst
  • Ein Heldenleben-Strauss
  • Ride of the Valkyries-Wagner
  • Die Meistersinger Overture-Wagner
  • Ein Faust Overture-Wagner
  • Symphony No. 5-Prokofiev
  • Hungarian March-Berlioz
  • Symphony No. 1-Mahler
  • Symphony No. 5-Mahler
  • Pertroushka-Stravinsky
  • Fountains of Rome-Resphigi
  • Symphonic Metamorphosis-Hindemith
  • Symphony Fantastique-Berlioz

 

Recomended Excerpts - Euphonium

  • Stars & Stripes-Sousa
  • Colonial Song-Grainger
  • Molly on the Shore-Grainger
  • When Jesus Wept-Shuman
  • Festive Overture-Shostakovich/Hunsberger
  • Toccata Marziale-Vaughan Williams
  • Second Suite in F-Holst
  • The Planets-Holst
  • Bydlo-Mussorgsky/Ravel
  • Theme and Variations-Shoenberg
  • Roman Carnival Overture-Berlioz/Godfrey III
  • Pinapple Poll-Sullivan/Mackerras 
  • Ein Heldenleben-Strauss
  • Don Quixote--Strauss

Recommended Graduate Repertoire - Tuba

  • Concerto-Darrol Barry
  • Reflections on the Mississippi-Daugherty
  • Sonata-DiLorenzo
  • Concerto-Ewazen
  • Concerto-Vaughan Williams
  • Concerto-John Williams
  • Alarum-Gregson
  • Flute Partita in A minor-JS Bach/Tinkham
  • Concerto-Alexandre Arutiunian
  • Concertino-Bozza
  • Three Furies-James Grant
  • Encounters II-Kraft
  • Capriccio-Penderecki
  • Sonatine-Casterede 
  • Concertino-Jan Koetsier

Recommended Graduate Repertoire - Euphonium

  • Cello Suites-JS Bach
  • Fantasia di Concerto-Boccalari
  • Partita-Butterworth
  • Fantasie Originale-Picchi
  • Harlequin-Spark
  • Pantomime-Sparke
  • Soliloquies-John Stevens
  • Concerto-John Stevens
  • Concerto-Philip Wilby
  • Concerto-Jan Bach
  • Euphoria-Derek Bourgeois
  • Concerto-Cosma
  • Symphonic Variants-Curnow
  • Blue Lake Fantasies-Gillingham 
  • Pearls II-Szentpali
Alumni

Euphonium

  • Jeffrey Barbee - Assessment and Evaluation Specialist, Indiana University School of Medicine
  • Angela Craig - Music Teacher at Robertson Co. Schools
  • Adam Goad - Instrumental Music Teacher, RSU 57
  • James Jackson - The United States Coast Guard Band
  • Aaron Meacham - Medical Physicist, Alyzen Medical Physics 
  • Brian Meixner - Associate Professor of Music, High Point University
  • Ryan Moore - Asbury University
  • Denver Pascua - MM Student at Eastman School of Music
  • Jonathan Sweet - Assistant Professor of Bands, Purdue University
  • Chase Teachey - MM student at Baylor University
  • Cody Williams - MM student at the University of Kentucky

Tuba

  • Kevin Allen - Winburn Middle School
  • Thomas Bratten - The United States Army Band
  • Blake Cooper - Cal. State, Northridge, Los Angeles based Freelance Artist
  • Daniel Cox - United States Marines, Japan Fleet Band
  • Kelly Diamond - Ret. United States Navy Band
  • Brian Ewalt - 202nd Army Band
  • David Jaggie - Madison Central High School
  • Daniel Johnson - James Monroe High School
  • David Hartung - United States Air Force Band of Mid America
  • David Kirven - The United States Army Band
  • Beth McDonald - Korean Jeans, Seraph Brass, CBS trio, Callithumpian Consort
  • Mike McMahon - Band Director, Fairfax Co. Schools
  • Chris Miller - Jones Middle School
  • Brian Morrison - Retired - Greenwood High School
  • George Palton - Associate Director of Music Admission, Depauw University
  • Robbie Reed - Parks and Recreation, Lexington
  • JD Salas - Associate Professor of Tuba, Stephen F Austin University
  • Edward Wasson - Retired Band Director

Horn

Welcome to the University of Kentucky horn studio, HORNCATS, under the direction of Dr. Margaret Tung. HORNCATS is a thriving studio with music degrees in undergraduate and graduate studies, including the doctoral program. The students are an ambitious group of horn players who sound fantastic, work well together, and have fun in the process!  Students have the opportunity to play in horn choir, band, marching band, orchestra, opera, and chamber ensembles.  Students of Dr. Tung have enjoyed many successes including placing in the International Horn Symposium competitions, winning orchestral jobs, auditioning into top graduate programs around the country, and successful national auditions for elite summer festivals.

Contact Dr. Margaret Tung if you would like to schedule a visit day or have any questions about the horn program.

Undergraduate Auditions

Please prepare:

  • Two contrasting works that demonstrate lyrical and technical ability (At least one solo work is required, the second piece can be another solo or etude)
  • Major scales up to four sharps and flats
  • Possible Sight Reading

Piano accompaniment is not required.

Graduate Auditions

Masters Auditions

  • A 15-20 minute audition consisting of repertoire that demonstrates your ability technically and lyrically
  • At least two contrasting solo works (Single movements from larger works are acceptable)
  • At least three contrasting standard orchestral excerpts
  • Possible sight reading

Doctoral Auditions

  • A 20-30 minute audition consisting of repertoire that demonstrates your ability technically and lyrically
  • At least three contrasting solo works (Single movements from larger works are acceptable)
  • At least five contrasting standard orchestral excerpts
  • Possible sight reading

Piano accompaniment is not required.

Created 07/22/2021
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Last Updated 11/30/2021