The Trumpet Ensemble at Loyola University New Orleans, under the direction of Nick Volz, D.M., performed at the 37th annual conference of the International Trumpet Guild in Columbus, Ga. Selected through a pre-recorded audition, the group was among a dozen trumpet ensembles from around the world to perform at the conference.
In addition to performing in two concerts, Loyola’s ensemble also had the opportunity to see, hear and meet many of the world's leading trumpet artists and scholars. The ensemble included students Hannah Baldo, John Culbreth, James Gillum, Logan Gross, Scott Kiser, Oliver Kodner, Alex Mayon and Clayton Perschall as well as faculty members Volz and Vance Woolf.
According to Volz, the invitation to represent New Orleans and to perform before thousands of trumpet players was a distinct honor.
"The fact that these students were selected to perform for our international conference is testament to the quality of education they are receiving at Loyola,” Volz said. “They played very well, and they enthusiastically embraced the conference and all of its events. Hopefully, they will take this knowledge and inspiration with them throughout their careers."
The guild also annually judges submitted solo recordings and holds a competition to award conference scholarships and cash prizes to exceptional students. Alex Mayon, a junior and music education major, and John Culbreth, a music industry studies sophomore, were among nine undergraduates from around the world to receive awards during the conference.
The largest organization for trumpet players in the world, the International Trumpet Guild is a nonprofit organization founded in 1974 to promote communications among trumpet players. Additionally, the guild aims to improve the artistic level of performance, teaching and literature associated with the trumpet.