Published March 23, 2021
The University of Louisiana Monroe Warhawk Trumpet Ensemble is a semifinalist at this
year's National Trumpet Competition. The ensemble's recorded performance will be livestreamed
for judges on Thursday, March 25, 2021.
PHOTO: The Warhawk Trumpet Ensemble is a semifinalist in the prestigious National Trumpet
Competition on March 25. Pictured are, from left, seated, Kris Balint, Solomon Abang, Noah Rampmaier, and standing,
Daniel Simons, trumpet professor Dr. Eric Siereveld, Hawk Walker, and George Rogers.
Siereveld is the ensemble director.
Siddharth Gaulee/ULM Photo Services
If ULM advances to the final competition on May 22, the same performance will be used.
The University of North Carolina Greensboro is hosting the virtual contest and conference.
Only 30 university ensembles were selected nationwide as semifinalists.
Under the direction of ULM School of Visual and Performing Arts trumpet professor
Eric Siereveld, D.M.A., the Warhawk Trumpet Ensemble members are senior music education
major Kris Balint, sophomore trumpet performance major Noah Rampmaier, junior trumpet
performance major Solomon Abang, sophomore music education major Daniel Simons, junior
music education major Hawk Walker, and senior music performance major George Rogers.
The Warhawk Trumpet Ensemble performed and recorded the composition "Vuelta Del Fuego"
by trumpeter/composer Kevin McKee for the contest.
While last year's Warhawk Trumpet Ensemble was the first in the school's history selected
to compete, this is the first time the ensemble has advanced to the semifinals. The
2020 competition was canceled due to COVID-19.
Siereveld is familiar with the competition, having served as a judge, a clinician,
and a competitor in the solo jazz and large ensemble divisions in 2007 and 2008.
"The level of the competition is exceedingly high," said Siereveld. "It is an honor
to be selected as a semifinalist, and I could not be more excited that our students
have this opportunity. Their hard work has been inspiring, and as a former contestant
myself, I know the impact this will have on them for years to come."
When asked what being selected for the National Trumpet Competition meant to them,
senior Kris Balint said,"… I'm proud of the work we did this year. The dedication
of each member paid off, and our focus allowed us to make great music together. As
a graduating senior, this is a momentous way to end my time here at ULM."
Sophomore Noah Rampmaier said, "I'm extremely grateful we were selected for NTC. I
view it as an opportunity to grow in music, life, and as a trumpeter. It also reminded
me that having a teacher and studio that cares about our growth and development as
people and players makes all the difference."
The National Trumpet Competition was founded in 1991 and the first contest was held
in 1992. NTC has provided performing opportunities, master classes, concerts, historic
and commercial exhibits, and education for 28 years and has hosted nearly 12,000 students.
Past guest artists include Grammy Award winners Chris Botti, Arturo Sandoval, Maynard
Ferguson, Philip Smith, Tim Morrison, and many others.
