Lexie Kruse

January 19, 2016

Lexie Kruse, a Master of Trumpet Performance student in the School of Music, recently received first place in the brass soloist division of the Music Teachers National Association Southwest Division competition.

"I am honored to have advanced to the final level of the solo competition," says Kruse. "I feel a step closer to being a professional trumpet soloist, which is one of my long-term goals as a musician. Also, I am so fortunate to study with Professor David Hickman, who continues to be such an inspiration to so many students."

Kruse will head to the national finals, which will take place in San Antonio during the MTNA National Conference in April 2016.

"I am most looking forward to performing my competition pieces, the "Telemann Trumpet Concerto in D Major" and the "Trumpet Concerto" by Robert Planel. I have been giving master classes at schools around the Phoenix area, and performing the pieces at least twice a week helps me learn how to handle my nerves, play on various levels of sleep and stress, and best perform the compositions back to back."