MidSouth Trumpet Guild Hosts First MidSouth Trumpet Festival

The 2026 MidSouth Trumpet Festival took place at Arkansas State University on April 18, 2026.

The festival began with a meditation and yoga session led by Dr. Brianne Borden, Assistant Professor of Trumpet at the University of Delaware. This session highlighted how stretching, controlled breathing, and a calm mindset can significantly reduce performance anxiety. Dr. Nairam Simoes, Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Arkansas State University and host of the 2026 festival, followed with a warm-up class, guiding students through his daily routine.

Throughout the day, students explored a variety of vendors, including Bob Reeves Brass Mouthpieces, MidStates Music, Melodic Metals, and TrumCor Mutes. In the exhibit room, attendees had the opportunity to test instruments and mouthpieces, purchase valve alignments, and browse items such as jewelry, mutes, and sheet music.

This year’s guest artist was Joey Tartell, Professor of Trumpet and Chair of the Brass Department at Indiana University. Tartell presented two masterclasses over the course of the festival. Both sessions offered valuable musical and pedagogical insights. He also performed with the Arkansas State University Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble in a featured concert that included a mass trumpet ensemble conducted by Dr. Stephen Wadsack, Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Brass Area Coordinator at Kennesaw State University.

Additional masterclasses were presented by Dr. Ross Ahlhorn, Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Louisiana State University, along with Dr. Angela King, Assistant Professor of Trumpet at the University of Central Arkansas.

The MidSouth Trumpet Guild, an affiliate chapter of the International Trumpet Guild, extends its sincere thanks to the ITG, as well as all sponsors and volunteers for making this event possible. (Source: Logan Hayungs)