2nd Annual Trumpet Conference brings musical learning opportunities to students, community

The University of Indianapolis hosted its Second Annual Trumpet Conference in March 2018 in conjunction with the International Trumpet Guild. Headliners included Doc Severinsen, legendary trumpeter from “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson,” international soloist Rex Richardson, and several other clinicians.

“Our second annual 2018 UIndy-ITG Trumpet Your Way Conference was a wonderful success in every way, bringing individuals ranging in ages from 12 to 90 to campus,” said Brenda Clark, Department of Music chair.

The University of Indianapolis is the state affiliate chapter of the International Trumpet Guild and serves to represent trumpet players of all ages and abilities throughout Indiana and beyond.

Read NUVO’s review of the Trumpet Conference here.

“Our headliners presented a day of clinics and finished the day with a concert in Christel Dehaan Fine Arts Center that blew the roof off!” said Larry Powell, adjunct faculty member and chair of the conference planning committee.

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The University of Indianapolis Department of Music actively cultivates opportunities for students and the broader community to gain access to experiential learning with master musicians. Along with the Trumpet Conference, which brought students in touch with expertise of Doc Severinsen and Rex Richardson, the Department of Music has hosted American Pianists Association Award Winner Drew Petersen, who is the University’s Christel DeHaan fellow and artist-in-residence. The Tuskegee University Choir concert at Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center brought the legendary group to campus in April 2018.

The Indiana Wind Symphony served as the accompanying ensemble for the trumpet solos of Doc Severinsen, Rex Richardson and Larry Powell.

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“We strived to make the other pieces somewhat trumpet-centric while giving good balance for the audience,” said Charles Conrad, Indiana Wind Symphony music director. “The marches were ‘Trumpets of Victory’ by Hoosier composer Fred Jewell and the only handiwork written by famed trumpet designer Vincent Bach.”

Clark noted the 40-percent increase in attendance over the first Trumpet Conference in 2017, and the widespread popularity of the event across the Midwest. Ed Engledow, who attended the conference with his 12-year-old grandson, was one of those fans.

“At the age of 78, I now realize that it is indeed possible to still be playing at the age of 90 (Doc) — if I am also willing to practice three or four hours a day!” Engledow joked. His grandson, Patrick, was thrilled to meet Doc Severinsen and get a photo with the living legend.

“This event was a perfect example of UIndy’s motto of ‘Education for Service,’ providing hands-on masterclasses benefitting players of all levels, offering mentoring opportunities for our students as well as conference attendees,” Clark said.

“The culminating evening performance which featured internationally-known solo artists Rex Richardson, Doc Severinsen, and UIndy’s Larry Powell, with the Indiana Wind Symphony, was a great example of the Department of Music’s commitment to collaboration, but more importantly our rich tradition of excellence. These experiences serve to inspire our students as they pursue successful careers in music,” she added.

Plans are already in the works for conferences in 2019 and 2020. Jens Lindemann will be the headliner for 2019. Click here for updates.