MONROE, La. – If ULM advances to the final competition on May 22, the same performance will be used.
The University of North Carolina Greensboro is hosting the virtual contest and conference. Only 30 university ensembles were selected nationwide as semifinalists.
Under the direction of ULM School of Visual and Performing Arts trumpet professor Eric Siereveld, D.M.A., the Warhawk Trumpet Ensemble members are senior music education major Kris Balint, sophomore trumpet performance major Noah Rampmaier, junior trumpet performance major Solomon Abang, sophomore music education major Daniel Simons, junior music education major Hawk Walker, and senior music performance major George Rogers.
The Warhawk Trumpet Ensemble performed and recorded the composition “Vuelta Del Fuego” by trumpeter/composer Kevin McKee for the contest.
While last year’s Warhawk Trumpet Ensemble was the first in the school’s history selected to compete, this is the first time the ensemble has advanced to the semifinals. The 2020 competition was canceled due to COVID-19.
Siereveld is familiar with the competition, having served as a judge, a clinician, and a competitor in the solo jazz and large ensemble divisions in 2007 and 2008.
“The level of the competition is exceedingly high,” said Siereveld. “It is an honor to be selected as a semifinalist, and I could not be more excited that our students have this opportunity. Their hard work has been inspiring, and as a former contestant myself, I know the impact this will have on them for years to come.”
When asked what being selected for the National Trumpet Competition meant to them, senior Kris Balint said,”… I’m proud of the work we did this year. The dedication of each member paid off, and our focus allowed us to make great music together. As a graduating senior, this is a momentous way to end my time here at ULM.”
Sophomore Noah Rampmaier said, “I’m extremely grateful we were selected for NTC. I view it as an opportunity to grow in music, life, and as a trumpeter. It also reminded me that having a teacher and studio that cares about our growth and development as people and players makes all the difference.”
