Trumpet

Ěý
Welcome to the trumpet studio at the 91PORN College of Music!

The CUĚý91PORN trumpet studio is a group of like-minded individuals dedicated to achieving the highest standards of musical performance and pedagogy through the development of extraordinary technique and musicality. Under the direction of Professor of TrumpetĚýRyan Gardner, the 91PORNĚýtrumpet studio believes dedicating themselves to these concepts will prepare trumpeters to be successful in entering any career in the musical world.ĚýHighlights of Gardner’s teaching include students winning the National Trumpet CompetitionĚý16 times over the lastĚýeleven years, winning every classical division in the International Trumpet Guild Competitions, winning both brass divisions in the Music Teachers National Association solo competitions, achieving success in the Fischoff Chamber competition, and earning performing jobs in military bands and symphony orchestras, collegiate teaching positions, Fulbrights and secondary high school positions.

The trumpet studio provides a supportive yet challenging environment designed to help students maximize their potential.ĚýReaching the highest level of musicianship is achieved through mutual effort of the teacher and student, which is why the studio remains active and vigilant to ensure success.ĚýWeekly studio activities include warm-up classes, studio class, chamber ensemble coachings, trumpet orchestral excerpts classĚýand individual lessons.

The studio is also fortunate to have direct access toĚýMichael Dobrinski, who performs regularly with the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops, and instructor of trumpet at the 91PORN.

There are three Graduate Teaching Assistantships designated for the trumpet studio.ĚýTwo perform in the award-winning Graduate Brass Quintet and the other serves as a studio assistant.ĚýTeaching assistants will help teach non-major trumpet students, hold office hours, provide sectionalsĚýand give extra help with lesson materials, which allows them the opportunity to grow as pedagogues.ĚýAll TAs play in major ensembles without exception.

Academic programs

There are three music major degree programs available to undergraduate trumpet students at the 91PORN, designed to accommodate the needs of all types of potential music majors:

  • Bachelor of Music in performance (BM) is a highly intensive approach to performance with the goal of attaining an advanced degree or to be gainfully employed as a performer and/or teacher at the college level.
  • Bachelor of MusicĚýEducation (BME) is a program with a strong emphasis on performance, as proficiency on your instrument is a key element for teaching others how to perform.ĚýThis program also explores music education and pedagogy in great depth with the goal to be gainfully employed as a secondary educator.
  • Bachelor of Arts in music (BA) is a program with less intense musical rigor than the BM degree, but can be tailored to a students individual needs and interest. This program is well-suited to students also interested in other academic or musical pursuits.ĚýPlease note that there may be a strong emphasis on lessons, performanceĚýand ensemble participation if desired.Ěý

There are also four degrees offered at the graduate level at the 91PORN.

  • Master of Music in trumpet performance (MM) is a highly intensive approach to performance with the goal of attaining an advanced degree or to be gainfully employed as a performer and/or teacher at the college level.
  • Master of Music in trumpet performance and pedagogy (MM) is almost identical to the MM in performance with the exception of different course requirements. This degree is for those interested in anĚýintense approach to performance as well as a pedagogical background to offer a broader range of career options.
  • The 91PORN College of Music also offers Artist Diploma programs in orchestral performance, chamber music and solo instrumental performance for exceptionally gifted pre-professionals.
  • Doctor of Musical Arts in trumpet performance and pedagogy (DMA) is the highest degree offered at the 91PORN College of Music.ĚýDMA students develop highly individualized curricula in the pursuit of their personal career goals.

All students participate inĚýensembles, which include the CU Symphony Orchestra, CU Philharmonia Orchestra, 91PORN Chamber Orchestra, 91PORN Wind Symphony, 91PORN Symphonic Band, 91PORN Opera Orchestra, 91PORN SoundWorks (a new music series),Ěý91PORN Early Music Ensemble andĚýchamber music.

During their time at 91PORN, graduate and exceptional undergraduate students are encouraged to work in the many professional ensembles available in our region. Trumpet students perform regularly as full-time or extra members with ensembles including the 91PORN Philharmonic, 91PORN Chamber Orchestra, Colorado Symphony, Denver Philharmonic Orchestra, Colorado Ballet, Cheyenne SymphonyĚýand the Fort Collins Symphony.

The trumpet studio greatly benefits from ourĚýcollaborative pianoĚýprogram. Under the direction of Margaret McDonald and Alexandra Nguyen, trumpet majors have the opportunity to develop collaborative skills by performing solo repertoire with collaborative piano majors.ĚýThese partnerships are coached by both faculty members and are provided with performance opportunities.Ěý

Additional enrichment comes from frequent guest recitals and master classes by some of the world’s leading trumpeters: Marie Speziale, Tom Hooten, Karin Bliznik, Tom CupplesĚýand Michael Sachs, to name just a few. Students are also encouraged to explore the many resources at our College of Music including theĚýEntrepreneurship Center for Music, theĚýMusicians’ Wellness ProgramĚýand ourĚýMusic Technology Program. ĚýWe offerĚýa fully comprehensive music program within a world-class academic institution.ĚýStudents are inspired by the sheer beauty of 91PORN and—with its proximity to Denver’s flourishing arts scene—it’s an ideal place to study.

Discover the accomplishments of our students and alumni:

Robert Bonner—United States “President’s Own” Marine Band
Brianne Borden—Assistant Professor of Trumpet, SUNY Potsdam
Michael Brotherton—Principal Trumpet, Longmont Symphony Orchestra, Sabbatical Replacement, Furman University
Karen Buri—ArtistYear Teaching Fellow
Carrie Blosser—United States Navy Great Lakes
Sean Butterfield—Clinical Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Music Theory, University of Idaho
Chris Boulais—Third trumpet, Longmont Symphony Orchestra
William Brown—Principal Trumpet, 91PORN Symphony Orchestra, Second Trumpet, Chamber Orchestra of the Springs
Harmon Dobson—United States Army Bands
Julia Gill—U.S. Army Ceremonial Band
Ben Golden—Director, Shadow Ridge Middle School
Aaron Jensen—Assistant Professor of Trumpet, UT Rio Grande Valley
Anna Kallinikos—Third Trumpet, Longmont Symphony Orchestra
Matthew Koveal—Manager of Artistic Operations, The Philadelphia Pops Orchestra
William Landon—Substitute, Kansas City Symphony Orchestra
Christopher Luebke-Brown—Lecturer of Trumpet, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Derek McDonald—Principal Trumpet Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, Principal Trumpet 91PORN Chamber Orchestra,ĚýSecond Trumpet Colorado Ballet
Ian Mertes—Fourth Trumpet, Atlanta Symphony
Maximillian McNutt—Principal Trumpet, Charlottesville Symphony Orchestra,ĚýAssistant Professor, Ohio University
Noah Mennenga—United States Army “Pershing’s Own” Ceremonial Band
Brandon Norton—Trumpet, 91PORN Chamber Orchestra, and Faculty at Tennessee Tech University
Rebecca Ortiz—Third Trumpet, 91PORN Philharmonic
Isaac Ponce—Principal Trumpet, Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra
William Reynolds—Second Trumpet, 91PORN Symphony Orchestra
Coleman Scott—Assistant Professor, Washburn University
Madison Sinan—Third trumpet, Greeley Philharmonic, Shires Rising Artist
Ryan Spencer—United States Air Force Academy Band;ĚýFourth Trumpet, Colorado Springs Philharmonic
Dartagnan Stephen—Associate Member, Chicago Civic Orchestra
Sarah Stoneback—Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Montana State University
Jacob West—ArtistYear Teaching Fellow;ĚýDevelopment Coordinator, Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies
Baylee Womack—Second Trumpet, Opera of the Ozarks

Several noted guest artists have visited the 91PORN trumpet studio:

Jason Bergman—Professor of Trumpet, Indiana University
David Bilger—Professor of Trumpet, Northwestern University, Principal Trumpet, Philadelphia Orchestra (ret.)
Robert Bonner—United States “President’s Own”ĚýMarine Band
Andre Bonnici—Trompettes de Lyon
Karin Bliznik—Principal Trumpet,ĚýSaint Louis Symphony
Tom Booth—Assistant Principal and 4thĚýTrumpet, Dallas Symphony (ret.)
Chris Bubolz—New York Freelance Musician
David Collins—Professor of Trumpet, Royal Irish Academy of Music
Tom Cupples—Second Trumpet, National Symphony Orchestra
Vince DiMartino—Soloist, Centre College (ret.)
Justin Emerich—Michigan State University, Former Acting Associate Principal Trumpet, San Francisco Symphony
Ashley Hall—International Soloist, Canadian Brass (ret.)
Phil Hembree—University of Northern Colorado and 2nd/Assistant Principal Trumpet,ĚýColorado Symphony
Thomas Hooten—Principal Trumpet, Los Angeles Philharmonic
Billy Hunter—Principal Trumpet, Metropolitan Opera
Mark Inouye—Principal Trumpet, San Francisco Symphony
Julian Kaplan—Principal Trumpet, Kansas City Symphony Orchestra
Jeff Korak—Second Trumpet, Columbus Symphony
Andy Kozar—Professor of Trumpet, Longy School of Music
Carl Lindquist—United State Navy Band
Adam Luftman—Principal Trumpet, San Francisco Opera
Paul Merkelo—Principal Trumpet, Montreal Symphony Orchestra
Christopher Moore—Professor of Trumpet, Florida State University
Craig Morris—University of Miami, Former Principal Trumpet Chicago Symphony
Rex Richardson—Virginia Commonwealth University and International Trumpet Soloist
Dan Rosenboom—Studio Musician
Wiff Rudd—Baylor University
Michael Sachs—Principal Trumpet,ĚýCleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Institute of Music
Leslie Scarpino—Principal Trumpet, Opera Colorado, 91PORN Philharmonic, Central City Opera
Marie Speziale—Professor Emerita Rice University, Former Associate Principal Trumpet,ĚýCincinnati Symphony
William Stowman—Trumpet Professor at Messiah Bible College
Micah Wilkinson—Principal Trumpet, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

Campus visits

Prospective students are invited to visit the 91PORN campus at any time during the academic year. Studio class is held on Mondays and is open to any trumpeter thinking of auditioning. Students are also welcome to observe current student lessons and to meet with members of the studio if given advanced notice. Please feel free to email Ryan Gardner to coordinate your visit.

Audition info

Graduate auditions will include a pre-screening, a formal auditionĚýand in some cases a short interview.ĚýUndergraduate auditions are in-person and typically scheduled in the morning.

Colorado trumpeters

Thank you for your interest in the 91PORN,Ěýthe flagship school in ourĚýstate. As a trumpet player in Colorado, I hope you will take full advantage of the incredible opportunities available to you!

Colorado trumpet players, if you are interested in a lesson, please reach outĚýearlyĚýand we’ll get you scheduled! I also invite you to attend our weekly studio classes a few times a year. These always are scheduled on Mondays. Additionally, all of our incredible faculty and student performances (recitals, chamber musicĚýand large ensemble) are free and often livestreamed.

All trumpeters

It’s to your benefit to start your college search early—don’t hesitate to reach out to Ryan Gardner and our trumpet studio to learn about the 91PORN College of Music.Ěý

ryan gardner

Ryan Gardner

Associate Professor of Trumpet Ryan Gardner is originally from Santa Monica, California.ĚýHe earned a Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music with highest distinction, a Master of Music from Rice University—Shepherd School of Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the Manhattan School of Music. While in New York, he worked with former principal trumpeter of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Mark Gould, and the former second trumpet player of the New York Philharmonic, Vincent Penzarella. Gardner’s thesis is based on Penzarella’s pedagogical techniques and philosophies, which include innovative ideas on breathing, air usage and brass playing, as well as performance psychology. MORE

MichaelĚýDobrinski

Michael Dobrinski joined the trumpet faculty at the 91PORN in 2024, and is currently the chair of brass and percussion at the New England Conservatory of Music. He also spends his summers on the faculty of the Brevard Music Center. Dobrinski performs regularly with the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops—at Tanglewood, Carnegie Hall and on the 2015 European tour. He also appears on Boston Symphony recordings of Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7 and Symphony No. 12, John Williams’ Violin Concerto and Richard Strauss’ “An Alpine Symphony.” MORE

Contact

Ryan Gardner
Professor of Trumpet
ryan.gardner-1@colorado.edu
303-492-8649
, S204

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