COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 3, 2004) — Five members of the Tennessee Tech University Trumpet Ensemble recently won honors at the 2004 National Trumpet Competition held at George Mason University.

The TTU trumpet quintet won fourth prize from a field of 22 such university ensembles invited to compete at the national event. Members of TTU’s ensemble included seniors Matt Kirkpatrick, John Gardner and Helen Watson and juniors Nathan Hickman and Curt Elverd.

“This is an important honor for the music department and the university — the musical equivalent of making the Final Four round in the NCAA basketball tournament, an accomplishment of truly national stature, and these students are a fine example of the capabilities and dedication of Tech trumpet majors,” said Charles Decker, TTU’s trumpet professor.

This marks the fourth time in the last five years that TTU trumpeters have won recognition at the National Trumpet Competition, placing TTU among the most honored universities for the prestigious competition.

The NTC is the largest competition for trumpeters in the United States. In its 10th year, it draws hundreds of competing trumpeters from across the nation.

--Tracey LeFevre
This information posted 1 September 2004