June 2021 Winner: Hunter Story

This issue’s featured young artist award winner is Hunter Story, an 18-year-old trumpeter who graduated from Woodford County High School in Woodford County, Kentucky and is now majoring in Music Education at Eastern Kentucky University. While in high school, Hunter was actively involved in her high school’s band program in addition to pursuing several performance opportunities outside of school. She performed in her high school’s wind ensemble, symphonic band, and was active in the marching band all four years, serving as the drum major for her junior and senior year. She also performed principal trumpet in the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra for two years, the Central Kentucky Jazz Orchestra for one year, and Asbury University Salvation Army Brass band for two years. She participated in the All State Symphonic Band for two years and in the Kentucky School for the Arts in 2019. Additionally she performed as a member of Buglers Across America.

Hunter started playing trumpet in the 6th grade and credits a lot of her success in music to the support of her private teacher, Dr. Rich Byrd, and her high school band directors Michael and Kelsey Collins. She began studying with Dr. Byrd after he heard her perform at a Solo and Ensemble contest and she feels very grateful for his support and guidance. The unwavering support of her band directors not only helped her during times when she felt discouraged but it also helped inspire her career goals. Hunter is interested in teaching elementary music and high school band because she really wants to be involved in the lives of young students helping them they way her teachers help her.

In addition to performing trumpet, she enjoys collecting vinyl records, singing, and experiencing the beauty of the great outdoors. She has sung in several choral groups and a cappella groups. Some of her favorite pastimes are gardening with her grandmother and hiking in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge and Raven Run. Some of her favorite professional trumpeters include Wynton Marsalis, Alison Balsom, and Vince DiMartino. As the June 2021 ITG Young Artist Award recipient she will receive a one-year complimentary membership to ITG! Congratulations Hunter!