BrassWorld International . This year, close to 200 student trumpet players participated in the NTC which was held March 17-19 on the campus of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. The competition is so much work, but it is the best forum for young players to get established. Just the experience of making the tape, sending it in, responding like a professional is an important step to make for students.
Students can compete in several divisions or just present a solo.
Most students will get to NTC on Thursday or Friday and rehearse with their accompanist. The solo students compete on an 8 minute basis, scheduled with a private warm-up room for 10 minutes before they play, and we connect them with our own fabulous accompanying staff so they don't have to bring their own accompanist. Besides playing solos, some of the students compete in other division as well, and they are judge by a select group of artist faculty. During their free time, the students can go through the instrument exhibits, listen to any of the other competitors, and attend clinics and concerts. Most of the clinicians and groups that perform do it at no cost, and many are sponsored by instrument companies.