March 2025 Winner Steven White

Steven White

Seventeen-year-old trumpet player Steven White is this issue’s featured Young Artist Award winner. Steven was born in American Fork, Utah, and soon after moved to Boise, Idaho, where he is currently a senior attending Timberline High School. He is very active in his high school band program, serving as section leader, principal trumpet in both concert and marching bands, and lead trumpet in the jazz band. Timberline band director José Rodríguez has praised Steven’s abilities, saying, “Steven plays with a level of musical maturity rarely seen in a student his age, and his contributions have been central to the growth and achievement of each of the ensembles with which he has played. He has really turned a lot of heads and will continue to do so.”

Although Steven began playing trumpet in fifth grade, he initially wanted to play trombone. After getting the instrument names mixed up, he was too afraid to speak up. It seems to have all turned out for the best, though, considering the impressive list of musical accomplishments that he has accumulated as a trumpet player. These recent achievements include receiving first place in the Idaho State Solo and Ensemble Festival for the past two years; being selected to the 2024 NAfME All-Northwest Honor Band in Bellevue, Wash­ington; earning a place in the Idaho All-State Band and Orchestra for three years in a row, including a principal position in 2024; being selected as principal trumpet of the Idaho Orchestra Institute; and winning the Boise Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition with a performance of the Haydn Concerto, including his own improvised cadenza. Additionally, Steven performed in the 2023 and 2024 live rounds of the National Trumpet Competition and advanced to the semi-final round in 2024. He also earned the position of lead trumpet in and toured with the Madison Scouts drum corps for the 2024 season.

Over the past five years, Steven has studied trumpet with Dr. Zachary Buie, assistant professor of trumpet at Boise State University. Steven regards his study with Dr. Buie as the number one key to his success because it inspired him to enter the competitions and other musical endeavors that have pushed him out of his comfort zone and no doubt led to the many great things he has accomplished so far in his musical life. Looking to the future, Steven plans to pursue music as a trumpet performance major and continue marching drum corps every summer with the Madison Scouts.

Steven’s favorite trumpet players include Alison Balsom, Wynton Marsalis, and Arturo Sandoval. Outside of his musical pursuits, Steven also enjoys playing chess and folding origami. As the March 2025 ITG Young Artist Award winner, he will receive a one-year complimentary ITG membership. Congratulations, Steven!