The Second Annual Lone Star Trumpet Day at Lone Star College-Montgomery
The Second Annual Lone Star Trumpet Day, hosted by Dr. Will Koehler on March 1st, 2025, at Lone Star College-Montgomery, featured an impressive roster of distinguished clinicians. The event welcomed Dr. Raquel Samayoa, Associate Professor of Trumpet at the University of North Texas; Robby Yarber, former Glenn Miller Orchestra trumpeter and current lead trumpet of The Texas Jazz Orchestra; Brian Fincher, adjunct faculty at Sam Houston State University; and Ryan McArthur, DMA candidate at the University of Houston and adjunct professor at Lone Star College-University Parks.Following morning registration, the event commenced with a captivating performance by the University of Houston Large Trumpet Ensemble, which presented Giuseppe Verdi's "La Forza Del Destino"—a work that subsequently earned the ensemble third place at the National Trumpet Competition. Dr. Koehler's welcoming remarks preceded an illuminating group warm-up session conducted by Dr. Samayoa, who introduced essential concepts of efficient tone production through relaxed airflow and tension reduction. Her methodical approach to intonation challenges emphasized the foundational principle that musicians "cannot tune a bad sound." The morning's concurrent clinics featured Dr. Samayoa's comprehensive exploration of fundamental techniques through targeted exercises. Her session addressed slow-practice methodologies, flexibility development through lip slurs, and articulation refinement, with particular attention to Franko Goldman's "Practical Studies." Concurrently, Mr. Fincher presented a physics-based approach to trumpet performance through his "Four Pillars" methodology—Air, Consistent Breathing, Corners, and Tongue Arch—designed to optimize playing efficiency and technical facility.
Mr. Yarber's innovative "FUNdamentals" presentation approached technical practice from a psychological perspective, demonstrating how fundamental exercises can be transformed into engaging, game-oriented experiences. His holistic approach emphasized the importance of enjoyment in effective practice, providing participants with practical strategies for airflow development and flexibility enhancement.
The afternoon session began with an exhibition featuring Fleming Music of Houston and Steve Bell, whose custom trumpet designs were available for examination and trial. Mr. Bell's subsequent presentation on trumpet design principles offered attendees valuable insights into instrument construction and acoustic considerations, complemented by Mr. Yarber's performance demonstrations.
Dr. Samayoa's masterclass provided exceptional pedagogical instruction for young performers. Middle and high school students from throughout the greater Houston area received constructive feedback on diverse repertoire including Kent Kennan's "Sonata for Trumpet," J.N. Hummel's "Concerto for Trumpet," and Carl Höhne's "Slavische Fantasie." The HTX Trumpet Ensemble's performance of Jason Dovel's "Centrifuge"—a work they later presented at the National Trumpet Competition semifinals—further exemplified the high caliber of student participation.
Mr. McArthur's strategic clinic on Texas Music Educators Association All-State audition preparation addressed efficient practice methodologies for étude preparation. His presentation outlined systematic approaches to balancing fundamental development with specific repertoire demands, providing concrete strategies for maximizing improvement and enhancing competitive outcomes.
A comprehensive question-and-answer forum with Dr. Samayoa concluded the instructional portion of the day, addressing topics ranging from specific technical challenges to psychological approaches and structured practice methodologies.
The culminating event of the Second Annual Lone Star Trumpet Day was a masterful recital by Dr. Samayoa, accompanied by Dr. Marshall Davies. Preceded by the University of Houston Small Trumpet Ensemble's performance of Ned Battista's "Steel, Fire, and Fury" (which later earned second place in the National Trumpet Competition's small ensemble division), Dr. Samayoa's program displayed remarkable versatility. Her delicate approach to Jules Levy's "Whirlwind Polka" provided students with an exemplary demonstration of authentic cornet style. After contextualizing the historical significance of J.N. Hummel's "Concerto for Trumpet," Dr. Samayoa delivered a rendering of the first movement distinguished by seamless phrasing and technical precision. Her subsequent performance of Rodion Shchedrin's "Spanish Dance (In the Style of Albeniz)" exhibited equal mastery, followed by Manuel de Falla's "Siete Canciones Españolas," which revealed her deep understanding of traditional Spanish dance idioms. Dr. Samayoa's interpretation of John Williams' lyrical "With Malice Towards None" from Steven Spielberg's 2012 film Lincoln further demonstrated her expressive range. The program concluded with Kevin McKee's "Sunup-High Noon" from Under Western Skies, featuring Dr. Samayoa alongside Dr. Koehler in a compelling duet performance. This thoughtfully curated recital effectively showcased the breadth of trumpet repertoire, providing students with exposure to diverse stylistic approaches through performances of exceptional quality.
This exemplary educational initiative undoubtedly enhanced participants' musical development through its comprehensive offerings of masterclasses, clinics, and performances by distinguished pedagogues. By providing substantive instruction in fundamental techniques, practice methodologies, and refined performance practices, the Second Annual Lone Star Trumpet Day established itself as a significant contribution to trumpet pedagogy in the region.
The International Trumpet Guild anticipates continued growth and development of this valuable educational endeavor in subsequent iterations. (Source: Ryan McArthur)