Concert Division
Medal of Distinction
Global Initiative for Talented Students (GIFTS) in association with Perform America – TX, LLC is excited to offer a new educational opportunity for middle and high school band, choir and orchestra programs. Introducing Medal of Distinction, a unique recording submission process designed to celebrate excellence in performance while simultaneously offering practical and exciting opportunities of growth for both students and directors. All participants will have access to a wealth of knowledge from evaluators with a variety of musical backgrounds. The Medal of Distinction program serves as a means to bring together a community of musicians and educators striving to better themselves, their programs and the art of music-making.
CONTEST OVERVIEW
Ensemble recordings are evaluated in two rounds by judging panels composed of nationally recognized educators and conductors. After the initial listening in the ‘Premier Performance’ round, the top performing ensembles are advanced to the Encore Circle for an “encore” listening and will be listed as ‘Encore Circle Winners’ ensembles. The top ensembles in this group will be listed as the ‘Maestro’s Circle National Winners’ and the opportunity to have a Medal of Distinction evaluator make a personal visit to their program for a clinic. This in-person interaction with a master teacher is what makes Medal of Distinction a truly educational experience!*
*Some ensembles have one evaluator, but will still have the opportunity to receive a visit from the evaluator based on availability! International Ensembles if participating can earn recognition in the Encore Circle or as National Winner in the Maestro’s Circle, but are not eligible for an in person clinic at this time.
2025 Entry Information
National Youth Wind Ensemble of Distinction
National Youth Choir of Distinction
National Youth Orchestra of Distinction
National Youth Jazz Ensemble of Distinction
National Youth Mariachi of Distinction
National Youth Chamber Wind Ensemble of Distinction
National Youth Percussion Ensemble of Distinction
2025 Medal of Distinction Evaluators (will be updated soon, registration is open)
PREMIER PERFORMANCE LISTENING
Kerry Taylor
Kerry Taylor currently serves as Director of Bands for Westlake High School-Eanes ISD and Fine Arts Director of Eanes ISD. Mr. Taylor is in his 39th year as a band director in the Texas public schools. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education Degree and a Master of Music Degree, both from the University of Texas at Austin.
Under Mr. Taylor’s direction, the Westlake Band has won or placed highly in numerous concert band and marching festivals, including 32 consecutive UIL Sweepstakes Awards. The Westlake Wind Ensemble has performed twice at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, four times in Carnegie Hall and once each for the American Bandmasters Association and the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles. In 1999, the John Philip Sousa Foundation presented the Westlake Band with the “Sudler Flag of Honor” for excellence in concert band and in 2011 the “Sudler Shield” for marching band excellence. The Westlake Chaparral Marching Band has performed twice (2003 and 2017) in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. In 2017, the Westlake program was recognized by Phi Beta Mu International Band Fraternity as a “Program of Distinction.”
Mr. Taylor is active as a clinician and adjudicator in Texas and across the US. He is a Past-President of the Texas Music Educators Association and currently serves as President-Elect for the American Bandmasters Association. He has been recognized by the University Interscholastic League with the Sponsor of Excellence Award, the John Philip Sousa Foundation as a Legion of Honor Laureate and the Texas Bandmasters Association with the Meritorious Achievement Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music Education. He and his wife Valerie, a long-time educator in Eanes ISD and a current PhD candidate in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Texas, are the proud parents of two sons; Brian, a DMA candidate at Michigan State University and Sean, a recent graduate of the University of Dallas.
Kerry Taylor
Cindy Bulloch
Cynthia Ann Bulloch was born in San Angelo, Texas, on July 25, 1956, to Jake and Gloria Young, the oldest of three children. Jake, a former cornet player, was a police officer for the San Angelo PD, and Gloria, a violinist, was a social worker for Texas Department of Human Services. Brother David played cornet for a time, while little sister Susie played flute and is a recently retired Texas music educator.
After hearing the junior high band perform at her elementary school during 6th grade assembly, Cindy had her heart set on joining band in junior high school. Although she was interested in playing clarinet, Cindy eventually chose flute because her mother remembered how beautifully her best friend from high school had played the instrument. The Edison Junior High School band was taught by director Don Hayes, Cindy’s favorite teacher. She made many friends in band and particularly looked up to bassoonist Kathy Lynn Kendle who was two years older. A talented leader, Kathy would later be a huge influence on Cindy’s decisions for the future.
Cindy’s mom encouraged her to continue band in high school, despite the fact she couldn’t count the 6/8 time signatures in “Them Basses” and “March Grandioso,” her summer homework. “I don’t know how it goes!” Cindy told her mom. Fortunately for Cindy, her wise mother once again intervened. Brilliantly, Mrs. Young recommended, “At least go to the first rehearsal of summer band and see if you can figure out how the rhythm goes. Once you know how it goes, you’ll be able to play it!” With a clear fake-it-til-you-make-it plan in place, Cindy eventually learned to count and became a successful member of San Angelo Central High School Bobcat Band. Under the leadership of directors Homer Anderson and David Pennock, Cindy learned the principles of esprit de corps and flourished in her family of “band-bubs” as they were known (including friends turned band directors Evelio Villarreal, Fred Velez, John Rogers, and Boyd Rowden). A turning point in her band experience was attending the WTSU band camp, taking her very first flute lesson lesson from Dr. Garner Garner, and attending daily flute sectionals taught by Randy Vaughn! Cindy returned home from band camp and was named drum major (the first girl drum major in the history of the band program) her senior year thanks to the techniques she learned at camp from Terry Milligan. Inspired by her experiences at the WT camp, role model now WT student Kathy Lynn Kendle, and Mr. Pennock’s rave reviews of Dr. Garner and WTSU
symphonic band’s 1974 TMEA performance of William Latham’s “Dilemma,” Cindy made the decision to major in music at WTSU.
In August of 1974, two earthshaking events changed our country. Richard Nixon resigned the presidency and Cindy Bulloch began her freshman year at West Texas State! Dr. Gary Garner was Cindy’s band director and flute teacher. Clearly not one of the strong flutes in the department, Cindy was determined and worked diligently to catch up. Always encouraging, Dr. Garner patiently corrected her bad habits. The knowledge Cindy learned from Dr. Garner has been invaluable to her teaching…especially transposing parts. During her last semester at WT, Cindy would prepare three flute etudes with the expectation she transpose and perform the music as if written for a Bb instrument, horn, saxophone, or low brass instrument. Cindy graduated in 1978 then earned her masters degree at WT in 1993. After graduation in 1978, Cindy’s first teaching position was in Enid, Oklahoma at Longfellow Junior High School where she was often stopped in the hallway for her hall pass…don’t we all miss those days? Enid, home of the Tri-State Music Festival, was a wonderful town that embraced the band community. After three years at Longfellow Junior High School, Cindy taught at Abilene Cooper High School with Jack Nall, then Hedrick Middle School in Lewisville, teaching with Debbie McFadden. During those years, Cindy was also fortunate to observe and learn from such greats as John Whitwell, William Revelli, Howard Dunn, Dick Clardy, Don Hanna, Fred Allen, and Barbara Lambrecht.
In her third year in Lewisville, Cindy was introduced to Mike Bulloch by a colleague at Hedrick. Mike worked for Baker-Hughes, lived in Midland, and was single father to son Taylor and daughter Christi who lived in Cindy’s hometown of San Angelo. On their first date, Cindy asked Mike if he played an instrument, to which he proudly replied, “I play the RADIO!” After a year and a half, Mike and Cindy were weary of long distance travel and many days apart. They married in July of 1988 in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.
Now living with Mike in Midland, Randy Storie and Dick Clardy convinced Fine Arts Director J.R. McEntyre to hire Cindy for the open position of traveling junior high assistant band director in Odessa. Taking their advice, Mr. McEntyre hired Cindy…without an interview. She traveled to all SIX Odessa junior high schools each day to assist with teaching beginning woodwind classes and section rehearsals. Nimitz became vacant at the end of the at year and Cindy moved
moved into the position, becoming the first woman band director in the history of Odessa and the Ector County ISD. In those days, junior high directors were responsible for teaching all beginning band classes, concert band, and MARCHING BAND! UIL MARCHING CONTEST! Believe it or not, it was a great time to teach and learn.
The Nimitz program was in good shape when Cindy took over, but with the dutiful work of the fantastic Nimitz band students and help of mentors J.R. McEntyre, Dr. Gary Garner, Van Ragsdale, Charles Nail, Randy Storie, Bill Surface, Dick Clardy, as well as colleagues John Carroll, Pano Data, Bill Hardin, Mike Watts, Clyde Wilson, Rusty Gray, and Ed Handley, the program improved tremendously, earning the UIL sweepstakes award each year of her nineteen year tenure. It also didn’t hurt that as many as ninety Nimitz students attended the two week WT band camp each July. After having been runner-up in 1991, Nimitz earned the first of two TMEA honor bands in 1995. The fall semester of 1997 brought wonderful surprises to the Nimitz band program; Van Ragsdale moved from Permian High School to become Nimitz band’s very first assistant director, and The John Philip Sousa Foundation honored Nimitz with the Sudler Silver Cup! Teaching with Van was an unforgettable experience and an education in itself. After Van left Odessa to become director of fine arts in Arlington, former WT student teacher Tamarie Sayger returned to Odessa and Nimitz to work with Cindy. It was during Tamarie’s tenure that Nimitz band earned honor band runner-up in 2001, and the 2003 TMEA BBB Honor Band. In 2004 the Ector County ISD recognized Cindy as the secondary Teacher of the Year, and she was elected to membership in the American Bandmaster Association at the convention in Williamsburg, Virginia. Another former WT student teacher Emily Pledger Moran followed Tamarie in the fall of 2004. Cindy is beyond thankful for the wisdom, knowledge, and genius of her teaching associates. Texas Bandmasters Association honored Nimitz with the 2007 Exemplary Junior High School band program award and recognized Cindy for Lifetime Meritorious Achievement in 2012.
Cindy Bulloch
ENCORE CIRCLE LISTENING
Steve Davis
Steven D. Davis has inspired ensembles around the world and is celebrated as a conductor of wind ensembles, orchestras, opera, ballet, and new music ensembles. In addition to conducting symphonic repertoire of significant composers, Davis is fervently committed to initiating and performing new repertoire written by both emerging and acclaimed living composers, with intentional focus placed on collaborating with diverse artists. Praise stems from Chen Yi, John Corigliano, Michael Daugherty, Roshanne Etezady, Jennifer Higdon, Narong Prangcharoen, Ingrid Stölzel, and Zhou Long, amongst countless others.
Davis currently serves as the Rose Ann Carr Millsap Missouri Distinguished Professor of Music and Professor of Conducting at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory. He leads the Symphony Orchestra of the Youth Symphony of Kansas City, and spends his summers conducting at the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp, where he serves as director of the wind ensemble program. Recent and upcoming events include leading performances at Carnegie Hall and the Musikverein in Vienna. Davis also leads the annual Kansas City Conducting Symposium, which draws nationally acclaimed clinicians, speakers, and participants from around the country. He also serves as the artistic director and coordinator for the Interlochen Band Director Institute that will debut in the summer of 2023 during the Interlochen Arts Camp.
Steve Davis
Dr. Albert Nguyen
Dr. Albert Nguyen is the director of bands and area coordinator of conducting at the University of Memphis. He holds the Pearl Wales Professorship in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the University of Memphis in teaching, creative activity, and service. Dr. Nguyen’s responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of the University Bands program, conducting the Wind Ensemble, leading the graduate wind conducting program, and serving as the Executive Director of the University of Memphis Summer at the Scheidt Program. Under Dr. Nguyen’s direction, ensembles have performed at the CBDNA Southern Regional Conference, the TNMEA All-State Conference, and Internationally in Austria and Italy. As a conductor and clinician, he has worked with ensembles and students throughout the United States, including the Mid-South, California, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Texas. Dr. Nguyen received the First Tennessee Professorship for contributing to the University of Memphis’s educational, research, outreach, and service missions.
Dr. Nguyen began his professional teaching career as the Director of Bands at Morrilton High School in Morrilton, AR. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Arkansas Tech University and a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in wind conducting from The University of Texas at Austin. He is a member of Kappa Kappa, Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, and Phi Beta Mu and serves the College Band Directors National Association as a member of the Diversity Committee.
Dr. Albert Nguyen
PREMIER PERFORMANCE LISTENING
Robert Stovall
Michael Zook, Director of Choirs, Vandegrift High School, is a native Texan who grew up and attended high school in Kingwood, Texas. He received his Bachelors in Music Education from Texas Tech University in 2003, and Masters in Administrative Leadership from Concordia University in 2015.
After college Michael worked for a church in Klein for 2 years as the Youth Worship Pastor before starting his teaching choir directing career in Spring ISD. He taught Twin Creeks MS for 5 years before moving to Clements High School in Sugarland, Texas. After teaching for 2 years at Clements HS as the Assistant Choir Director, Michael was hired to be the Head Choir Director at Vandegrift High School in 2011.
This is Michael’s tenth year as the Head Director of the choir program at Vandegrift High School. In 2016 the VHS Chorale Women’s Choir was chosen to sing at TMEA and SWACDA, and National ACDA in 2019.
He is proud to be a Viper and has a genuine love for teaching and singing. He also likes to spend his free time fishing, cooking, eating, leading worship at his home church, and sings with the Conspirare Symphonic Choir in Austin, Texas.
Michael Zook
ENCORE CIRCLE LISTENING
J.D. Burnett
J.D. Burnett enjoys a varied career as a conductor, singer, and teacher. In the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas, he serves as Director of Choral Activities, conducts the UT Concert Chorale, and teaches courses in graduate choral conducting and literature. Additionally, he is the founding Artistic Director of Kinnara, the premier professional chamber choir in Atlanta, Georgia. In March 2021, he was named Artistic Director of Orpheus Chamber Singers in Dallas, and assumed the role on January 1, 2022.
Formerly, he was Associate Professor of Music and Associate Director of Choral Activities at the University of Georgia Hugh Hodgson School of Music. He has served as Assistant Director of the Dallas Symphony Chorus, conductor of the New Jersey Youth Chorus Young Men’s Ensemble, Associate Conductor of the Masterwork Chorus of New Jersey, and Acting Director of Choral Activities at Montclair State University. Earlier posts include Interim Director of Choral Activities at San Jose State University, Artistic Director of the New Jersey Chamber Singers, Music Director of the Houston Masterworks Chorus, and Founder of Men’s Consort Houston. He also served as Choral Editor at McGraw-Hill, Inc.
Burnett did undergraduate study at Stanford University and Oklahoma State University. He holds advanced degrees in choral conducting from Westminster Choir College and the University of North Texas.
As a professional choral singer, Burnett has performed and recorded with the Stillwater Chamber Singers, Cantare Houston, Fuma Sacra, Robert Shaw Festival Singers, Choir of Trinity Church Wall Street, Oregon Bach Festival Chorus, Santa Fe Desert Chorale, and Conspirare.
J.D Burnett
PREMIER PERFORMANCE LISTENING
Joshua Thompson
Joshua Thompson has been the Orchestra Director at Westwood High School since 2017. During his six years leading this storied program, the orchestra program has grown to five performing orchestras and the Symphony Orchestra has been invited to perform at the prestigious Midwest Clinic in 2019. Previously, Joshua was the Orchestra Director at Shepton High School, in Plano, Texas. In his 13 years at Shepton, he grew the orchestra program from 79 students in 2 performing groups to 172 students in 5 performing orchestras. In 2011, the Foundation of Music Education named the Shepton Chamber Orchestra one of three National Winners in the Mark of Excellence – National Orchestra Honors Competition, despite Shepton High School being a campus of only 9th and 10th graders. He previously taught at Haggard Middle School in Plano, and South Cobb High School, in Austell, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta.
Joshua holds a Master of Music degree in Music Performance in Instrumental Conducting from the University of Kentucky (Lexington) and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University. As a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Kentucky, he conducted all of the university bands, the Symphony Orchestra, and various chamber ensembles. As an undergraduate conductor, Joshua became co-director of the Dana Brass Ensemble, founded a studio orchestra devoted to the performance of film music, and guest conducted both university concert bands and the Youngstown Youth Symphony Orchestra. His final conducting appearance at Youngstown State was a highly successful, full production of Igor Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du Soldat. A lifelong learner, he has recently attended several conducting workshops around the world, including the International Conducting Workshop and Festival in Sofia, Bulgaria, working with Larry Rachleff and Donald Schleicher.
As a trumpeter, Joshua was chosen to perform as part of a solo clinic at the International Trumpet Guild Conference in Richmond, Virginia, where he performed the Sonata for Trumpet and Piano by Peter Maxwell Davies with pianist Rebecca Wilt. He was a semi-finalist at the National Trumpet Competition’s Masters Division in 1998, and was chosen as an alternate for the New World Symphony in Miami, Florida after completing graduate school. As an undergraduate, he won the Dana School of Music Concerto Competition and was the winner of the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs Solo Competition in 1996. Originally from Steubenville, Ohio, Joshua first took up trumpet studies with his grandfather, a successful high school band director. He remains an active freelance trumpeter, and is in high demand as a performer, adjudicator, and clinician. In his free time, Joshua is a former competitive distance runner, racing distances from 5 kilometers to 50 miles. In 2015, he represented the City of Dallas as a citizen ambassador to Sendai, Japan, taking part in the Sendai International Half Marathon.
Joshua Thompson
ENCORE CIRCLE LISTENING
Carolyn Watson
In addition to her position as Director of Orchestras at the University of Illinois, Carolyn Watson is Music Director of the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor of the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra. Originally from Australia, Carolyn has been based in the United States since 2013 during which time she has led performances with the Austin Symphony, Cape Symphony, Catskill Symphony, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony Civic Orchestra, Kansas City Ballet, St. Joseph Symphony, Traverse Symphony Orchestra and World Youth Symphony Orchestra. Recruited internationally as Music Director of the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra, she won the 2015 American Prize for Orchestral Performance with this ensemble, also collaborating with soloists including Mark O’Connor and Alexandre Tharaud during her tenure. Carolyn continues to enjoy an ongoing association with Interlochen as conducting faculty at Interlochen Arts Camp.
An experienced conductor of opera, recent engagements have seen Carolyn lead Listen, Wilhemina! for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Hansel and Gretel for Amarillo Opera and Fellow Travelers at Des Moines Metro Opera, along with a production of As One. In 2020 she conducted ‘And Still we Dream’ for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, a production which was featured in the Emmy-Award winning PBS documentary, Higher Octaves: Leading Women in the Arts. In 2019 Carolyn was engaged to conduct the world premiere of Gordon Getty’s opera at Festival Napa Valley, and in 2017 she was one of six conductors selected for the Hart Institute for Women Conductors, where she led the Dallas Opera in two public performances. Carolyn’s 23-24 season sees debuts with the South Bend Symphony and Barrier Reef Orchestra (Australia), as well as returns to the Cape Symphony, Kansas City Ballet and Monash Academy Orchestra (Australia).
A major prizewinner at the 2012 Emmerich Kálmán International Operetta Conducting Competition in Budapest, notable European credits include Infektion!, a festival of modern theatre celebrating the works of John Cage at the Staatsoper Berlin, conducting musicians of the Berlin Philharmonic in Interaktion, a residency at the Israeli National Opera, and assisting Sir Charles Mackerras on his final two productions at The Royal Opera, Covent Garden and Glyndebourne. Additional international conducting credits include the Brandenburger Symphoniker, BBC Concert Orchestra, Budapest Operetta Theatre, Bulgarian State Opera Bourgas, Duna Szimfonikus Budapest, North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Kammerphilharmonie Graz, Kodály Philharmonia Debrecen, Mihail Jora Philharmonic Romania, Savaria Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and in Russia, the St. Petersburg Chamber Philharmonic. In Australia she has worked with the Darwin Symphony, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, Melbourne Youth Orchestra, Monash Academy Orchestra, Sydney Symphony, Tasmania Discovery Orchestra and Willoughby Symphony.
Carolyn was a Fellow of the American Academy of Conducting at the Aspen Music Festival where she studied with David Zinman, and has participated in master classes with Marin Alsop, Peter Eötvös, Yoel Levi, Martyn Brabbins and Alex Polishchuk. She is the recipient of a number of prestigious national and international awards for young conductors including the Brian Stacey Award for emerging Australian conductors, Sir Charles Mackerras Conducting Prize awarded via the Australian Music Foundation in London, Opera Foundation Australia’s Bayreuth Opera Award and Berlin New Music Opera Award and the Nelly Apt Conducting Scholarship. She is the beneficiary of support from the American Australian Association’s Dame Joan Sutherland Fund and a Sheila Pryor Study Grant from the Australian Opera Auditions Committee. She is also a Churchill Fellow, and was the recipient of a Creative Fellowship from the State Library of Victoria. In 2021 Carolyn was named a finalist in the Arts category of the Australian government Advance Awards, an international award which recognizes leading global Australians of excellence.
Carolyn holds a PhD in Performance (Conducting) from the University of Sydney where she studied under Imre Palló. The The subject of her doctoral thesis was Gesture as Communication: The Art of Carlos Kleiber.
Carolyn Watson
PREMIER PERFORMANCE LISTENING
Jose Antonio Diaz
Scott Wilson is the Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Florida and has served as Musical Director for Universal Studios Japan, principal staff composer for Grand Link World in Qingdao, China, consultant for Walt Disney’s “Magic Music Days” jazz workshops, and has been a featured trumpet soloist for Tokyo Disney Sea, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Universal Studios Japan. Wilson’s jazz textbooks, the Ultimate Jazz Tool Kit and Ultimate Music Workbook, are available through Kendall Hunt Publishing and accompanied by 35 jazz instructional videos that cover topics ranging from jazz theory to song writing. His nationally available published online jazz education platforms include Jazz Fundamentals 1, Jazz Fundamentals 2, Jazz Aural Skills and Jazz History, and in 2012 Scott Wilson received the Technology Innovator Award from the University of Florida for his advancements in online delivery platforms. As a producer, Wilson has composed and helped design dozens of international performance shows for Universal Studios Japan and he co-produced the “Earth Wind and Fire Tribute” album for the Sheldon Reynolds Project in Los Angeles. This album featured new interpretations of EWF’s timeless hits and showcased an all-star cast of Hall of Fame song writers and Grammy Artists including Maurice White who co-wrote the album’s opening track “Feel Good.” At the University of Florida, Wilson developed the Jazz Minor, designed 10 new jazz courses and designed the Master in Music with Concentration in Jazz Studies. In 2011 Warburton Mouthpieces released the Scott Wilson model trumpet mouthpiece that is aimed at achieving a more supportive and functional trumpet mouthpiece for young trumpet players. For the last decade Wilson has also served as the Committee Chairman for the JENerations Jazz Festival for the Jazz Education Network International Conferences.
Before arriving at the University of Florida, Wilson held the position of Director of Jazz Studies at Snow College in Utah where he helped design and host four Juilliard Summer Jazz Camps. Wilson was then selected to host the Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Jazz Camp at the University of Florida and this event culminated with a concert featuring the entire Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band from Los Angeles, California. Along with Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, Wilson co-developed the Hapco Jazz Camps in Orlando which have been running for over a decade and target inner city school students to provide them with scholarships and access to award winning professionals. In collaboration with Hapco, Latin Grammy Winner Jose Valentino and Wycliffe Gordon, Wilson co-developed the International Jazz and Entrepreneurship camps to train aspiring musicians to maximize their careers and entrepreneurial ventures.
Scott Wilson received a Master Degree in Jazz Studies and a Master Degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas. At the University of North Texas he taught courses in Jazz Theory and performed in the One O’Clock Lab Band and served as Adjunct Faculty. Wilson was also selected as a Teaching Fellow in Jazz Arranging and scored several original big band compositions for the One O’clock Lab Band albums (Lab 1995, 1996, 1997).
In addition to his dynamic live and recorded performances on trumpet, Scott Wilson is regarded as one of the world’s foremost proponents of the electronic valve instrument (EVI). His numerous transcribed trumpet and EVI solos are available on video on his website. On trumpet and EVI, Wilson has performed and worked with numerous legendary jazz artists including Benny Green, Wayne Bergeron, Stevie Wonder, Jeff Coffin, Rashawn Ross, Conrad Herwig, Wycliffe Gordon, Shelly Berg, Roger Ingram, Steve Smith, Denis DeBlasio, Greg Bissonette, Brian Bromberg, John Beasley, Eric Miyashiro, Claudio Roditi, Sam Rivers, Terrell Stafford, Carl Allen, Peter Erskine, Eric Marienthal, Bobby Shew, Slide Hampton, Dick Oats, Brandon Fields, Lew Soloff, Ron Blake, Ben Wolfe, Terreon Gully, Geoffrey Keezer, Jeremy Pelt, John Pizzarelli, Chris Slade, Ed Shaughnessy, Robby Ameen, Alex Acuna, Dan Haerle, Neil Slater, Corey Christiansen, Ted Rosenthal and Fred Hamilton.
Scott Wilson
PREMIER PERFORMANCE LISTENING
Jose Longoria
Director Jose Longoria is an award-winning performer and educator, and the director of Mariachi Imperial de America and also director for the University of Houston Mariachi Pumas!
Imperial de America has been in existence for over 30 years. Founded by the Longoria family patriarch in Houston, Texas; Mariachi Imperial de America arose from humble beginnings, mostly performing at private parties and other local venues across Houston. Today, Mariachi Imperial de America is recognized for its energy infused performances and ability to interpret songs in other languages including Mandarin, Armenian, and English.
Its diverse musical repertoire distinguishes Mariachi Imperial de America from other mariachi groups. Performances are filled with dancing, singing, and often include audience participation. If you listen closely you will hear musical influences from various genres of Latin music and traditional mariachi music. Performances often include theatrical imitations of artists like Juan Gabriel, Jose Alfredo Jimenez, and Vicente Fernandez.Locally, Mariachi Imperial has achieved great success, thanks to its members and loyal supporters. Among its accolades and recognitions, Mariachi Imperial received:
- Recognized as the #1 Mariachi in Houston by The Houston Press Magazine in 2005
- First place at the Mariachi Vargas Extravaganza by Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan
- First place at the Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo Mariachi Competition
Nationally, Imperial de America has also been featured on Good Morning America, the Selena Vive concert, UFC, Mis Quince, and Jersylicious. Imperial de America has accompanied world renowned artists like: Beatriz Adriana, Pepe Aguilar, Bronco, Elsa Garcia, Grupo Mazz, Maribel Guardia, Lorena Herrera, Pablo Montero, Patricia Navidad, Bobby Pulido, Roberto Pulido, Nydia Rojas, Federicico Villa, and many others. Abroad, Mariachi Imperial de America has had the opportunity to perform for:
- Mexican Embassy in Beijing, China
- U.S. Embassy in Armenia, Albania, and Macedonia
- Mariachi Festival in Vancouver, Canada
Under the direction of Jose Longoria, the group has recorded three albums entitled: Son de Ambiente, Mas Alla de Mi Mexico, and Que Bonita Musica. Que Bonita Musica, their most recent album, includes recordings of original songs; and popular songs in English, Mandarin, Armenian, and Hindi. It’s precisely this interest in diverse styles of music and a passion for traditional mariachi music that has allowed Imperial de America to reach a wide audience.
Jose Longoria
PREMIER PERFORMANCE LISTENING
Brian Hecht
Brian Hecht, a native of Dallas, Texas, joined the Dallas Symphony Orchestra as Utility Trombone in September 2021. Prior to joining the Dallas Symphony, Mr. Hecht held the Bass Trombone position with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (2013-2022) and The United States Navy Band in Washington, DC (2009-2013).
He has performed with other major ensembles throughout his career including the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra (under the baton of Simon Rattle), San Francisco Symphony, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Naples Philharmonic, Washington National Opera, Lyric Opera of Baltimore, and the Kennedy Center Ballet.
Brian has been a featured soloist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, U.S. Navy Band, U.S. “Pershing’s Own” Army Band and Orchestra, the Armed Forces Octet, Kennesaw State University Wind Ensemble, Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, STS Professor’s Choir, Korean Trombone Choir, University of Texas Trombone Choir, University of Georgia Trombone Choir, University of Central Arkansas Trombone Choir, Texas State University Trombone Choir, Penn State Trombone Choir, and the Georgia Brass Band. He can be heard on numerous Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and U.S. Navy Band recordings.
He has been the recipient of performance awards including first prize at the 2009 Zellmer-Minnesota Orchestra Trombone Competition, 2009 Edwards Big 12 Bass Trombone Solo Competition, and the ETW’s 2009 Trombone Quartet Competition. In addition, he was a finalist in three major international competitions in 2009 including the ITA’s Edward Kleinhammer Competition, the Donald Yaxley Competition, and the International Trombone Quartet Competition.
Brian received his Master of Music degree from Northwestern University, where he studied with Michael Mulcahy, Charles Vernon, and Peter Ellefson. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from The University of Texas at Austin, where he studied with Dr. Nathaniel Brickens. Other influential teachers include Randall Hawes, Jon Bohls, and Charles Villarrubia.
Brian Hecht
PREMIER PERFORMANCE LISTENING
Jacob Gall
Jacob Gall served as a Cadets Battery instructor for 15 years and was an integral part of the percussion staff that shaped and refined The Cadets’ DCI World-Champion percussion section in 2013. In the summer of 2012, he was selected as Staff Member of the Year. Prior to teaching The Cadets, he was a member of the snare line for three years, from 2006 to 2008, under the direction of Tom Aungst and Colin McNutt. In 2007, Jacob earned a Distinguished Service Award, and in 2008 he served as the Battery Section Leader and was awarded Cadet of the Year. Before marching with The Cadets, Jake marched snare for the Crossmen in 2005 and tenors for the Jersey Surf in 2002.
Originally from Richmond, Va., Jake was raised in a musical family of six. Growing up, he had the privilege of learning from his father, a band director of 31 years, and his mother, an active performer as a singer and guitarist. From an early age, his passion was inherently centered around playing, teaching, writing and performing music. With the experience he gained as a musician under the tutelage of his father, Jake’s passion led him to choose a life of music.
Setting his sights on becoming a band director, Jake attended The Pennsylvania State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education with an instrumental emphasis in percussion. During his studies at Penn State (2005-2010), he was an active performer both on and off campus. Notable classical performance venues include Juniata College (Huntington, Pa.), Heinz Hall (Pittsburgh, Pa.), the Kimmel Center (Philadelphia, Pa.) and the Kennedy Center (Washington, D.C.). In addition to his classical studies, Jake also marched five consecutive seasons in the Penn State Blue Band, where he served as the drum captain his final three years. Also while studying at Penn State, he was awarded the Eleanor Beane Scholarship for outstanding performance on marimba, and the Performer’s Recognition Certificate.
Following his undergraduate studies, Jake continued his education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and graduated with a Master’s Degree in percussion performance in 2012. During his two years at UMASS, he served as a graduate teaching assistant to professor Thom Hannum. In addition to teaching marching percussion techniques, Jake performed regularly in the top UMASS Marimba Band. It was during his first year that the ensemble received the prestigious Downbeat Magazine Jazz Showcase Award. While his teaching position was in the area of marching percussion and his degree emphasis was in classical percussion, Jake’s performance and teaching schedule was highly diverse on a day-to-day basis. As an extension of his classical performance experience, he was selected by his studio professor, Ayano Kataoka, to perform chamber music in the McCormick Marimba Festival at the University of South Florida (January 2012) and the Bard College Chamber Music Performance in Annadale-on-Hudson, NY (February 2012).
Jake currently resides in Austin, Texas where he serves as the Director of Percussion for Glenn High School in the Leander Independent School District. Before moving to Austin, he lived in Dallas, where he served as the Director of Percussion for Wakeland High School in the Frisco Independent School District. He was also previously employed by Bloomsburg University, where he served as Percussion Studio Professor, Marching Band Director, and Lecturer of World Music. Before teaching at Bloomsburg University, Jake was a middle school band director in Stafford County, Va.
Jacob Gall
Who can enter?
National Youth Wind Ensemble of Distinction
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- Middle School Concert Band
- High School Concert Band
- University Ensemble
- Youth / Community Ensemble
- International Ensembles in above categories including Elementary and University*
National Youth Choir of Distinction
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- Middle School Treble Choir
- High School Mixed Choir
- Children’s / Boy’s Choir
- Middle School Open – any type of choral ensemble
- High School Open – any type of choral ensemble
- University Choir
- Community Choir
- International Ensembles in above categories*
National Youth Orchestra of Distinction
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- Middle School Full Orchestra
- Middle School String Orchestra
- High School Full Orchestra
- High School String Orchestra
- Youth / Community Orchestra
- University Ensemble
- International Ensembles in above categories*
National Youth Jazz Ensemble of Distinction
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- Middle School Jazz Ensemble
- High School Jazz Ensemble
- International Ensembles in above categories*
National Youth Mariachi of Distinction
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- Middle School Mariachi Ensemble
- High School Mariachi Ensemble
- International Ensembles in above categories*
National Youth Chamber Wind Ensemble of Distinction
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- High School Chamber Winds
- College/University Chamber Winds
- Community Chamber Winds
- International Chamber Winds in above categories*
National Youth Percussion Ensemble of Distinction
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- Middle School Percussion Ensemble
- High School Percussion Ensemble
- International Ensembles in above categories*
*INTERNATIONAL Ensembles if participating can earn recognition in the Encore Circle or as a National Winner in the Maestro’s Circle, but are not eligible for an in person clinic at this time.*