2019 Trumpet Festival of the Southeast
Doug Lindsey and the Kennesaw State University School of Music hosted the 2019 Trumpet Festival of the Southeast January 18-20, 2019. The event drew in more than 200 trumpeters from across the Southeast. The two featured artists were international soloist Rex Richardson and Atlanta Jazz icon Joe Gransden.
The festival opened on Friday night with a large massed ensemble rehearsal led by Carol Deomell.
Massed trumpet ensemble
After the ensemble rehearsal, there was a dinner break followed by a jazz concert featuring the KSU Jazz Faculty Parliament and both guest artists. After the concert, the music continued at the Jazz Jam at Marlow’s Tavern led by Greg McLean.
Saturday began early with a warm-up session focusing on the fundamental routines of Greg Spence led by Dr. T.J. Tesh.
Following the warm-up, Chip Crotts gave a class on overcoming adversity. The day’s performances began with the 10 a.m. student honors recital, which featured students from seven different universities. This was immediately followed by the professors' recital, which featured teachers from eleven different universities. After a short lunch break, there was a dedicated exhibit hour where all participants could try out the latest and greatest trumpet gadgets.
The afternoon got off to a surprising start when Rex Richardson’s master class was sidetracked by the appearance of Doc Sevrinsen. After a bit of friendly hello, Rex continued his class on his approach on preparation and performance. This class was followed by a class by featured artist, Joe Gransden. The afternoon concluded with the massive Festival of Trumpets concert featuring nearly every registered participant: there were 13 separate ensembles who played at the concert including the nearly 80 participants in the massed trumpet ensemble.
Doc Severinsen and Rex Richardson
Saturday came to a close with the gala concert at North Cobb High School. This concert featured the KSU Wind Ensemble, the Georgia Brass Band, Doug Lindsey, Rex Richardson, & Joe Gransden. This concert featured works by Allen Vizzutti, Leonard Bernstein, and the Georgia premiere of a new transcription of Caravan by Wes Funderburk.
Rex Richardson with the Georgia Brass Band
The final session on Sunday morning of the festival brought many students and professors together to discuss a wide range of topics.
The KSU School of Music and the featured exhibitors made this event possible. Exhibitors included Warburton, Rich Ita, Callet, Washburn, Legends Brass, Just for Brass, Pollard Water Key, Jupiter Music, XO Brass, ITG, Georgia Brass Band, Yamaha, Pickett/Blackburn, and Marlow’s Tavern. Collaborative pianists were Eric Jenkins, Arie Motschman, and Erica Tazawa. For a full and detailed account of the festival, please visit the website: https://arts.kennesaw.edu/music/concerts-and-events/trumpet_festival.php
(Source: Doug Lindsey)