For the second consecutive year, Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s School of Music will compete in the small ensemble division at the collegiate National Trumpet Competition. The event is scheduled for March 19-22 at the University of Iowa, with SIU’s trumpet ensemble set to perform on March 19.
Ricky Spears, assistant professor of trumpet and assistant director of athletic bands, expressed his appreciation for the students’ dedication. “I am very proud of the students and feel so fortunate to teach these wonderful people daily,” Spears said. “Making it into the competition for a second year in a row really showcases the work ethic of the trumpet studio in their pursuit for excellence and support of each other.”
The five-member SIU ensemble includes Jeff Imes (graduate masters, trumpet performance), Nick Bruno (graduate masters, trumpet performance), Nick Lyon (senior, music business), Xander Lynch (senior, trumpet performance), and Adam Arbetello (junior, music education). All but Bruno participated in last year’s national competition. Spears noted that their previous experience would be valuable: “they now know what to expect this year.”
The group will also have its first public performance at a chamber ensemble concert on February 27 at Shryock Auditorium.
Each year, about 1,200 video submissions are received from universities nationwide for the National Trumpet Competition. Entries are narrowed down to 40 ensembles across two divisions—one for groups with six or fewer members and another for larger groups. This year’s small ensemble competitors include teams from institutions such as University of Michigan, University of Colorado-Boulder, Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Conservatory, Indiana University, University of North Texas, University of Texas-Austin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Baylor University, University of Kentucky and University of Florida.
Last year was SIU’s first time reaching this stage since the contest began in 1992. Spears joined SIU in spring 2024 and has since grown the trumpet studio from 18 to 21 members.
“If someone had told me this would be a reality a year ago, I would not have believed them,” Spears said. “When you have goal-oriented students with dreams and an incredible work ethic, anything is possible.”
Spears credited Richard Kelley, director of the School of Music: “If it wasn’t for Dr. Kelley, none of this would even be possible,” he said. “He takes care of so many behind-the-scenes work that is necessary to make events like this possible for the students.” He also praised his colleagues: “I have never met a more welcoming and supportive faculty,” adding that they go “beyond the call of duty to ensure our students have what they need to be successful.”
Kelley described being selected again as a significant achievement: “This competition always features the best trumpet studios and performers from across the country,” he said. “Being selected in consecutive years speaks to the leadership and consistency of Dr. Spears to prepare these students to an elevated level. We are fortunate to have faculty and students of this caliber in School of Music.”
