2025 APEX Trumpet Symposium
The third annual APEX Trumpet Symposium was held from July 7th through 14th, 2025 in Sevierville, TN.
The event included teaching artists Nadje Noordhuis of Lawrence University and the Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra, international performing/recording/teaching artist Dr. Nathan Warner, and University of Georgia trumpet professor, Dr. Brandon Craswell. Master Class artists included Ben Gunnarson of the President's Own Marine Band, Peter Bond of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra (ret), and Phil Smith of the New York Philharmonic (ret). Veteran teachers Keith and Dana Walker served as symposium assistants.
The event included 28 participants (not including faculty/staff) from across the United States. The ages of the participants ranged from 18-65 years old and included music majors, band directors, comeback players, professional players, and college trumpet professors. Each participant received three private lessons, one with each of the three teaching artists who come from varying professional backgrounds. This community-building event included daily warm-up classes, full-participation master classes, trumpet ensembles, an orchestral excerpt class, a jazz improvisation clinic, topic discussions, private lessons, social activities, and a recording session.
Ben Gunnarson presented a master class in which he shared excerpts from his career that demanded extensive preparation, and techniques he utilized to achieve their successful execution. Nadje Noordhuis presented a class on the family tree of different trumpet schools in the United States. Dr. Brandon Craswell led a class in pedagogical techniques for all who aspire to teaching careers, as well as leading a discussion of the musical takeaways from the week. Peter Bond gave a master class based on his innovative book, The Singing Trumpet. Dr. Nathan Warner led the group in a crash course on playing over standard jazz changes, which is a difficult, yet achievable topic for many who come from classical backgrounds. Phil Smith coached several trumpet sections on major orchestral excerpts and was also present to interact and answer questions of the participants throughout the week.
APEX's topic discussion was a highlight of the week. Every year, a topic is picked which addresses often-overlooked struggles of musicians and allows for a safe environment in which to share and learn. This year's topics were: "What Is Your 'WHY?'' and "The Danger of Comparison." Participants found relief in learning just how universal some of these struggles can be and many presented helpful thoughts for the improvement of quality of life for musicians.
Community is a valuable commodity at APEX and scheduled social activities witnessed many new friendships being forged and existing ones being cultivated. Social activities included a disco pool-party, karaoke night, an evening spent at Dollywood Theme Park, and a homemade pizza party.
The culminating project was the audio/video recording of a new work composed and conducted by Dr. Warner, including all participants and featuring Mr. Smith as a soloist. As of this writing, the video is approaching 10k views and will be a treasured keepsake for all of the 2025 participants. (Source: Nathan Warner)
