Trumpet Ensemble National Trumpet Competition 2018 results

A group of eight Luther College trumpet players competed in March at the National Trumpet Competition at the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas. The group was given exceptional reviews but did not advance to the semifinals as an octet.

The ensemble consisted of senior Liam Fraser; juniors Curtis Cook, Madison Ihde, Sarah Lodge, Chelsey Schmeling and Michael Winkler; and sophomores Chloe Beck and Marya Haughland.

Winkler also competed in the Collegiate Soloist Division and was one of 10 students who advanced to the semifinal round. “That is to say, Michael is arguably among the top 10 college trumpet players in the entire country,” said John Cord, Luther associate professor of trumpet.

Outside of their performances, the students took the opportunity to attend master classes and workshops led by some of the world’s most notable brass and trumpet professionals, as well as attend other performers’ concerts and recitals.

“All said and done, it was a terrific experience for both the students and myself. I’m very proud of these students and consider myself very fortunate to be their teacher,” said Cord.

A Luther associate professor of trumpet since 2013, Cord has performed with more than 30 professional symphony orchestras in the United States, including the Dallas Wind Symphony, Fort Worth Opera and the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Band. He’s also performed with touring Broadway shows such as Cats, Chicago and The Music Man.

Cord earned a Bachelor of Music in trumpet performance from the University of Iowa and a Master of Musical Arts from Yale University School of Music. He completed his Doctor of Musical Arts in trumpet performance and jazz studies from the University of North Texas.

Luther is home to one of the largest collegiate music programs in the nation, with six choirs, three orchestras, three bands, two jazz bands and more than 800 student musicians. Luther students participate in large ensembles, faculty-coached chamber groups, private lessons and master classes. Nearly 275 music majors study music theory, ear training, history, education, composition, jazz, church music and performance.