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University of Kentucky trumpet quintet

Among the schools represented in the competition, including an ensemble from Thailand, were the Julliard School of Music, the University of California at Los Angeles, Michigan State, the Cincinnati Conservatory, the University of Louisville, and DePauw.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 24, 2004) -- A University of Kentucky trumpet quintet, directed by School of Music assistant professor Mark Clodfelter, won a national competition against performers from 30 other schools March 14-15, in Washington, D.C.

“This is the single largest and most prestigious trumpet competition forum of its type in the world,” Clodfelter said. “The panel of judges and guest artists represents performers and educators from across the nation,” he added.

Among the schools represented in the competition, including an ensemble from Thailand, were the Julliard School of Music, the University of California at Los Angeles, Michigan State, the Cincinnati Conservatory, the University of Louisville, and DePauw.

The trumpet quintet is comprised of members of the UK Trumpet Ensemble in the College of Fine Arts, a 25-member group. The ensemble participated in a preliminary taped audition round before being selected to attend live semi- and final rounds of competition.

After the semi-final round was played, six finalist groups were announced that performed in a final evening competition known as “Midnight Madness” Saturday, March 14. The results of the competition were announced on Sunday.

As the 2004 winners, Clodfelter said, UK will be ineligible to participate in the 2005 competition, but will perform at the competition’s opening ceremony. Clodfelter will also serve as an adjudicator for the 2005 National Trumpet Competition.

Clodfelter, a native of Winston-Salem, N.C., previously was instructor of trumpet and director of the jazz band at Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, N.C. He performs with several orchestras throughout the southeast United States.

UK graduate student T.J. Tesh of Winston-Salem, N.C., a member of the award-winning UK trumpet quintet served as administrative organizer for the UK ensemble competition team.

In addition to Tesh, the members of the winning trumpet quintet are Will Adamchik, a senior from Crestwood, Ky.; Josef Traver, a junior from Charlotte, N.C.; Jonathan Stites, a junior from Johnson City, Tenn.; and John Tuck, a junior from Chicago, Ill.