January 2006 Winner: Daniel Watson

ITG is proud to announce that Daniel Watson, a freshman at Patrick Henry College in Purcell, Virginia, is the January 2006 recipient of the Young Artist Award. Daniel is majoring in political science. Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Watson began learning the trumpet at the age of eight (as a refuge from piano lessons). It was soon apparent to his father (his first trumpet teacher) that he had a great deal of natural talent.

In 1997, at the age of ten, Daniel won his first competition. Later he became principal trumpet in the Greater Fort Worth Junior Youth Orchestra, winning a concerto contest in 2001. As a freshman in 2002, he won second place in the Winds Division of the Juanita Miller State Youth Competition, sponsored by the Texas Association for Symphonic Orchestras. He also played in the Youth Orchestra of Greater Fort Worth. He attended and competed in the Youth Competition of the International Trumpet Guild held at Texas Christian University in 2003. Daniel has made All Region, All Area, and the Texas 5A All State Band.

Daniel and his parents attribute his success as a player to the efforts of his teacher since 1999, Mr. Adam Gordon of the Fort Worth Symphony. "Mr. Gordon has the rare combination of a virtuoso performer and a gifted teacher and communicator. He takes a genuine interest in his students."

In recognition of his outstanding talent, ITG will provide Daniel Watson with a complimentary one-year membership.

October 2005 Winner: Andy Cresap

Andy Cresap of Minot, North Dakota, began playing the trumpet in fourth grade. His trumpet instructor is Gary Stenehjem and Andy credits him as one of the main contributors to his success. For six years, Andy also has attended the International Music Camp where he studied with instructors such as Matt Mealy, Del Lyren, and Steve Wright.

Currently a senior at Minot High School, Andy participated in the North Dakota High School All State Jazz ensemble in 2003, and as principal trumpet in the North Dakota High School All State Orchestra in 2004 and 2005. He had the honor of being selected for the first and second annual Hershey's All American High School Honor Band in 2004 and 2005. Other awards have included the Outstanding Performer in the State Solo Competition in 2004 and 2005, the National Band Association Outstanding Jazz Student award, and the National Band Association Outstanding Musician award. Andy performs in many groups during the school year, including the Minot High Concert Band, Minot High Jazz Ensemble, the Brass Band of Minot, the Minot State University Summer Theatre Pit Orchestra, and the Minot Community Band.

June 2005 Winner: Traci Nelson

ITG is proud to announce that Traci Nelson of Fergus Falls High School in Fergus, Minnesota, is the June 2005 recipient of the Young Artist Award. Traci is a 2005 graduate of Fergus Falls High School. She began playing trumpet in fifth grade. Currently, she studies with Neil Mueller of North Dakota State University. She plans to major in music performance this fall as she begins her post-secondary education.

Traci has been actively involved in many school and community ensembles, including wind ensemble, orchestra, jazz band, marching band, brass ensembles, and a community civic orchestra. She volunteers her time performing on trumpet at local nursing homes and churches by soloing or leading groups. Traci has been a member of several Minnesota All-State ensembles. Highlights her include her role as principal trumpet of the grade 9 - 10 All-State Honor Band in 2003, member of the 2003 - 2004 All-State Concert Band, and principal trumpet of the 2004 - 2005 All-State Orchestra. She has received over ten superior ratings at solo/ensemble competitions and various other music awards. Memorable solo performances for Traci include performances of Arban's Carnival of Venice with her high school band and Haydn's Trumpet Concerto with the school's orchestra in May 2005.

In recognition of her outstanding talent, ITG will provide Traci Nelson with a complimentary one-year membership.

March 2005 Winner: Shawn Williams

ITG is proud to announce that Shawn Williams of Santa Clara, California, has been awarded the ITG Young Artist Award for March 2005. Shawn has studied the trumpet since fifth grade, and currently studies with Eric Bolvin of San Jose, California. While attending Santa Clara High School, Shawn plays in marching band, symphonic band, and jazz band. He toured Japan with the San Jose Youth Philharmonic Senior Symphony, and plays solo trumpet with the San Jose Jazz Society Youth Jazz Honor Orchestra.

This year Shawn received superior ratings in the California Music Educators' Association Jazz and Symphonic Solo Festivals. As soloist with his middle school's alumni jazz band, Shawn performed in the New Orleans French Quarter Jazz Festival. At the Reno Jazz Festival, Shawn received a solo award in three consecutive years. Active in his community, Shawn tutors elementary and middle school children, performs in his church's music group, and works at a local music camp each summer. His future plans include the study of music education with a jazz emphasis.

 

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