A-State Trumpet Ensemble to Perform at California Conference

JONESBORO – Members of the Arkansas State University Trumpet Ensemble have received a prestigious honor, being asked to perform at the 2024 International Trumpet Guild Conference in Anaheim, California, held from May 28 to June 1.

Dr. Nairam Simoes, assistant professor of trumpet, said, "This opportunity is truly remarkable and a tremendous honor for us."

Simoes said the students will open one of the evening concerts that will be attended by all conference participants.

Simoes added, "Being selected for this role is a testament to the dedication and talent of the members of our group, and represents the highest honors achievable for a group chosen from the original pool, as this is a peer-reviewed and judged selection."

He said that after their performance, the students will join him for a performance at downtown Disneyland for the Trumpet Festival, for which Simoes serves as coordinator.

"I am proud to announce that both of our graduate trumpet students will serve as assistant coordinators for this event. I believe this demonstrates their exceptional leadership skills and commitment to serving our international trumpet-playing community," Simoes said.

The participating students are Master of Music Education (MME) and performance student Grayden Fields from Southside; performance student Carlos Mejia from Springdale (pursuing a Master of Music (MM)); sophomore music education and performance major Zane Kenzik from Mason, Ohio; music education major Jeremiah Hendrix from Bald Knob; and A-State graduate and incoming MM performance student Audrey Alpha from Olive Branch, Miss.

Simoes said both opportunities will provide valuable exposure for A-State.

"This makes me incredibly proud of my students and their achievements. Please join me in congratulating our students," Simoes added.