Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – Four Arkansas State University trumpet students earned second place at the 2026 Ryan Anthony Memorial Chamber Music Competition, held during the 50th annual International Trumpet Guild Conference at the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY.
The result places A-State among the leading collegiate music programs represented on one of the most prominent international stages for brass chamber music.
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The Shostakovich Trumpet Ensemble represented A-State in the final round and advanced as the only trumpet ensemble among the finalists.
“Results of this magnitude are transformational for any program. The trumpet ensemble’s success clearly demonstrates that A-State students can compete with and excel alongside the finest young brass performers from some of the most prestigious conservatories and schools of music in the country,” said Dr. Nairam Simoes, assistant professor of trumpet who coached the group to its second-place finish.
The ensemble consists of:
- Matthew Dawes, a sophomore from DeWitt is pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in instrumental performance.
- Logan Hayungs from Fredericksburg, Va., is pursuing a Master of Music degree in instrumental performance.
- Zane Kenzik, a senior from Mason, Ohio, pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree in instrumental performance and Bachelor of Music Education degree.
- Mason Kibble of Pittsburgh, Pa., is pursuing a Master of Music degree in instrumental performance.
“I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for having the opportunity to compete in the competition. It was an honor to represent A-State, the department of music, and professor Simoes on an international stage. This would not be possible without the numerous support systems within A-State, and for that, I am grateful. A special thank you goes out to all that have listened to us, given us feedback, or those who simply cheered us on,” said Kenzik.
In addition to the A-State ensemble, the final round featured the Center Brass Quintet from the University of North Texas and the Broad Street Brass Quintet from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.
The Ryan Anthony Memorial Chamber Music Competition is regarded as one of the premier international competitions for collegiate brass chamber ensembles. More than 50 groups applied this year, with only 15 advancing to the semifinals. The final round brought together some of the strongest student performers from top conservatories and schools of music in the United States.
The International Trumpet Guild Conference is the world’s largest gathering of trumpet performers, educators, students, composers, and industry professionals, featuring performances, masterclasses, research presentations, and competitions from leading musicians around the globe.
“Participating in this competition was an experience I will never forget. Having the opportunity to represent everyone who helped us along the way was truly special. Special thanks to our mentor, professor Simoes, for his coaching and efforts for our group,” Kibble said.
Simoes said the trip would not have been possible without support from the Department of Music, Bands, the A-State Trumpet Guild, and the Research and Technology Transfer Office and Kari Harris, whose contributions helped fund travel to the competition.
The accomplishment marks one of the strongest music competition results in the history of the university’s trumpet program and continues the program’s growing national and international recognition.
“This achievement extends far beyond a single competition result. It elevates the national profile of Arkansas State University’s music program and establishes a lasting legacy for future students, affirming that aspiring musicians can access world-class teaching, meaningful artistic opportunities, and top-tier competitive experiences while studying right here at A-State,” said Simoes.
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