Brass

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:

1. Two contrasting works that demonstrate your ability technically and musically. One of these can be your All-State or District solo.
2. Major and Chromatic Scales as requested.
3. Possible Sight Reading.
4. 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:

1. A 15-20 minute audition consisting of repertoire that demonstrates your ability technically and musically.  
2. At least two contrasting solo works. (Single movements from larger works are acceptable.)
3. 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:

1. A 20-30 minute audition consisting of repertoire that demonstrates your ability technically and musically.  
2. At least three contrasting solo works. (Single movements from larger works are acceptable.) 
3. 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

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.

NEW! Certificate in Baroque Trumpet

No upcoming special classes at this time. 

2013

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

2014

• Gaudette Brass
  Professional brass quintet based in Chicago, as part of UK BRASSFEST 2014.
  
• 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 the Third Annual UK BrassFest​

• Stephen Campbell
  Principal trumpet of the Lexington Philharmonic
• Stiletto Brass Quintet
  The highly acclaimed all-female quintet presented a clinic in September
  

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
  

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
   

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 Student - Rui Li

Rui Li, trumpet plays "Night Songs" with the UK Symphony Orchestra
Rui Li Free Improv Video
Rui Li plays "Water Music" (Free Improv piece)

UK Trumpet Alumnus - Chase Hawkins  (MM 2014)

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)

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.

• Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp (Michigan)
• Interlochen Arts Camp (Michigan)
• Music Academy of the West  (California)
• Aspen Music Fesival (Colorado)
• Bar Harbor Brass Week (Maine)
• Chautauqua Music Festival (New York)
• Eastern Music Festival (North Carolina)
• Festival Institute at Round Top (Texas)
• National Repertory Orchestra (Colorado)
• New England Music Camp (Maine)
• Pacific Music Festival (Japan)
• Rafael Mendez Brass Institute (Colorado)
• Rocky Ridge Music Center (Colorado)
• Sewanee Summer Music Festival (Tennessee)
• Texas Music Festival (Texas)
• Oregon Bach Festival Berwick Academy  (Oregon)
• Oberlin Baroque Performance Institute (Ohio)
• Symphony Orchestra Academy of the Pacfic (Canada) 
• Atlanta Music Festival (Maine)
• Blast of Brass (Texas)
• Brevard Music Center (North Carolina)
• GVSU Trumpet Seminar (Michigna)
• Kennedy Center Orchestral Institute (Washington, D.C.)
• Jamey Aebersold Jazz Camp (Kentucky)
• Marrowstone Summer Music Program (Washington)
• New York Summer Music Festival (New York)

Other Summer Employment

• Disney All-American College Band
• Carnival Cruise Lines
• Cruise Ship Job Center

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 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.

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 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 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

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

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 - 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

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

The Tuba/Euphonium Studio is home to a number of accomplished 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

Please prepare:

1. 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.
2. Major scales up to four sharps and flats.
3. Possible Sight Reading.

Piano accompaniment is not required. Please direct any questions to Dr. Margaret Tung: mtung@uky.edu

Masters Auditions

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

Doctoral Auditions  

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

Piano accompaniment is not required for any audition of any level. Please direct any questions to Dr. Margaret Tung: mtung@uky.edu