UCLA's Brass Section Makes Groundbreaking Victory at the National Trumpet Championship
In a spectacular display of talent and camaraderie, the UCLA trumpet studio made a significant impact at the recent National Trumpet Competition held in Boulder, Colorado.
Second-year undergraduate Remy Ohara, a trumpet performance major, clinched the first prize for the undergraduate solo competition, showcasing her exceptional skills and hard work. Ohara was not alone, as fellow graduate student Aric Kline also competed as a soloist, demonstrating the depth of talent within the UCLA trumpet studio.
The studio's cohesiveness was evident throughout the competition, with students supporting each other and showing up for every performance. This strong sense of camaraderie was instrumental in the studio's success, as both Ohara and Kline emphasized the importance of having a pianist as talented as Alexa Constantine, a staff pianist for the School of Music, to accompany them.
The UCLA trumpet studio's preparation for the competition involved routine, fundraising, and social activities. Students engaged in rigorous practice routines, including scales, etudes, and performances of required repertoire, to develop technical proficiency and musicality. They also had a thorough warm-up routine to prepare for performances, ensuring peak performance on competition days.
To offset the costs associated with travel and competition expenses, the studio employed various fundraising strategies, such as organizing concerts, selling merchandise, or hosting events.
In addition to the intense focus on practice and preparation, the studio also prioritized social activities to foster camaraderie among students. These activities included group performances, workshops, and social events that helped build bonds and support networks. Competitions like the National Trumpet Competition also provided valuable opportunities for students to meet peers and professionals in the field, enhancing their network and exposure to different musical styles and techniques.
The UCLA trumpet studio, which draws students from various divisions within the School of Music, including performance, education, global jazz studies, and musicology, sent two ensembles to the competition. Both ensembles made it to the semifinals, placing them within the top six nationally.
Emma Breen, a member of the studio, acted as Remy Ohara's manager, ensuring she was where she needed to be during the competition. Jens Lindemann, distinguished professor of trumpet performance, expressed pride in the students' hard work and achievements at the National Trumpet Competition, highlighting their dedication and performance.
Looking ahead, the UCLA trumpet studio is planning to compete in international competitions starting this summer. The studio's previous experience at the National Trumpet Competition in Delaware in 2022, where they sent one ensemble, bodes well for their upcoming international ventures.
For a more detailed understanding specific to the UCLA trumpet studio, contacting the studio directly or visiting their official website would be advisable.
During their preparations for the National Trumpet Competition, the UCLA trumpet studio not only focused on rigorous practice and warm-up routines for technical proficiency, but also prioritized online education and self-development, with resources covering music theory, history, and pedagogy. Moreover, the studio's strong camaraderie extended beyond the competition realm, as members hosted entertainment events and workshops to engage with diverse musical styles and techniques, ultimately fostering a vibrant community of musicians.
