Published May 13, 2015
Dr. James Layfield, assistant professor of low brass in the School of Visual and Performing
Arts at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, was chosen as the new Low Brass Mentor
for the Hot Springs Music Festival in Hot Springs, Ark.
During the two-week program, Layfield will serve as coach and mentor to musicians
from orchestras, chamber ensembles, and conservatory faculties.
“It’s truly an honor to be a part of one of the best music festivals for young orchestral
musicians,” says Layfield. “I look forward to working with students from around the
world and representing our university.”
According to the festival site, their mission is to provide performance experience
and mentorship opportunities to talented pre-professional musicians, and to provide
high-quality music performances and performing arts related activities to residents
of and visitors to Arkansas and the Hot Springs community.
This year marks the 20th annual festival, and famous works such as Igor Stravinsky’s
“Firebird Suite” and numerous chamber works and solo pieces will be performed.
Layfield will conduct the opening night concert featuring well known brass ensemble
music, “Fanfare for the Common Man,” by Aaron Copland. He will also perform throughout
the festival on chamber pieces and as part of the faculty solo recital.
Layfield obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Theory from the University of
Texas at Arlington, a Master of Music degree in Trombone Performance from Southern
Methodist University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Michigan.
