Midwest Trumpet Festival

Tim Wootton maintains an active schedule as an orchestral musician, chamber musician, soloist, and educator.

As an orchestral musician, Tim is Principal Trumpet of the Springfield (MO) Symphony Orchestra, Principal Trumpet of the Ozarks Lyric Opera, and a member of the trumpet section of the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA). He has performed with the Kansas City Symphony, Tulsa Symphony, Wichita Symphony, Arkansas Philharmonic, Krakow Chamber Orchestra, Missouri Philharmonic, and other orchestras across the Midwest and Southwest.

As a chamber musician, he is a member of the Springfield Symphony Brass Quintet and the Evangel University Faculty Brass Quintet. He has performed with the Missouri State University Faculty Brass Quintet, Symphony of Northwest Arkansas Brass Quintet, Springfield Chamber Brass, Classic Brass, Phoenix Chamber Brass, and the Phoenician Brass Quintet, among others.

As a soloist, he was a prizewinner in the International Trumpet Guild Solo Competition in Bangkok, Thailand, a finalist in the Naftzger Young Artist Competition, and a winner of the band and orchestra solo competitions at Missouri State University. As a recitalist, he gave the world premieres of the Michael “Bear” Schwartz – “Trumpet Sonata in Three Movements” and “Portraits of Masada.”

As an educator, Tim is on the music faculty of Evangel University, where he teaches applied trumpet, brass methods, and conducts the brass ensemble. He was on the music faculty at Southwest Baptist University for over a decade and served as Artist-in-Residence (trumpet) at Missouri State University. He also maintains a private studio.

Tim’s teachers include David Hickman, Grant Peters, Charlie Geyer, Ray Mase, Kevin Cobb, and John Shows.

Jeff Curtin grew up in Kettering, Ohio, and began playing the trumpet at age 10. Since then, he has performed in venues across the United States and appeared with orchestras in Ohio, Indiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, and Kansas. From 2009 to 2014, he served as trumpet instructor at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma. 

Jeff is a featured soloist for Mecum Auto Auctions on the NBC Sports Network and was a founding member of the Boulevard Brass Quintet, which appeared in the 2014 motion picture Rudderless, directed by William H. Macy. 

Now based in Olathe, Kansas, Jeff is the owner and operator of the Curtin Trumpet Academy and teaches at several schools in the Olathe and Blue Valley districts. He holds a BMA and MM in Trumpet Performance from the University of Oklahoma and a DMA in Trumpet Performance from the UMKC Conservatory. 

Dr. Jennifer Oliverio is a celebrated cornet and flugelhorn player who holds the positions of principal cornet with the Fountain City Brass Band and flugelhorn with the Athena Brass Band. She is currently the Assistant Professor of Music in trumpet at Missouri Western State University and one of the directors for the Fountain City Youth Brass Academy.  

She is an avid supporter of new music for cornet and flugelhorn, having commissioned and premiered solo works by Lucy Pankhurst, Dorothy Gates, Kevin Day, Andrea Hobson, and Jen Mitchell for her premiere solo album Enigma. Her work on Enigma received overwhelmingly positive reviews and was nominated for the 4barsrest Album of the Year, a silver medal in the Global Music Awards, and winner of the 2023 American Prize in brass performance.  

She has served on the board of directors for the Fountain City Brass Band, the Athena Brass Band, the Visionary Panel for the National Youth Brass Band of America, and currently as the column editor for the International Trumpet Guild’s cornet column.  As a clinician, she regularly performs and presents at national and international festivals including: the International Trumpet Guild Conference, Brass Institutes of America, International Women’s Brass Conference, PRIZM Chamber Music Festival, and the Eastman Summer Trumpet Institute. 

In her freelance work, she has performed as an extra with the Kansas City Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Alabama Symphony, and is a founding member of the Trilogy Brass Trio. As a teacher, she has had students accepted as semi-finalists in the National Trumpet Competition, semi-finalists for the International Trumpet Guild solo competitions, and as winners in the North American Brass Band Championships solo and ensemble competitions.   

Dr. David Hunsicker is currently principal trumpet of the Wichita Symphony, Professor of Trumpet at Wichita State University, and the inventor of the Gapper®, a patented device for the third valve slide on the trumpet. 

Hunsicker’s solo performances include the Haydn Trumpet Concerto and Shostakovich’s Concerto for Piano, Trumpet and Strings with the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, and the Haydn Trumpet Concerto and J. S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto #2 with the Lancaster Festival Orchestra.  

In addition, Hunsicker has performed dozens of musicals, many as lead trumpet with Music Theatre Wichita (2014-present).   

Hunsicker holds a Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance from Indiana University and a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from the University of Michigan. While completing his Doctor of Musical Arts in Solo Performance from Arizona State University, he completed extensive research on orchestral auditions for trumpet. 

Dr. William (Bill) Richardson serves as Professor of Music at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri, where he has taught since 1999. A Fulbright Scholar, he served as Visiting Professor of Trumpet at the Jazeps Vitols Latvian Academy of Music in 2010. He holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin (DMA-Trumpet Performance), Florida State University (MM-Trumpet Performance), and Central Missouri State University (BME). 

Richardson is a member of the St. Joseph Symphony, the St. Joseph Big Band, and the Phil Collins Experience (a tribute band from Kansas City, MO). He is active in many professional organizations, including the International Trumpet Guild, Phi Beta, and the American Federation of Musicians. He has published articles in the Journal of the International Trumpet Guild and the I.T.G. Junior newsletter. A Conn-Selmer clinician and performing artist, Dr. Richardson’s affiliation with Northwest Missouri State University has taken him to Austria, China, England, Estonia, Finland, Japan, and Latvia.

Dr. Aunna Marzen is a trumpet player and conductor currently based in Hays, Kansas. She currently serves as the Associate Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Fort Hays State University. 

Dr. Marzen earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Trumpet Performance from the University of Maryland, where she served as a Graduate Assistant with the UMD bands. She has performed with a wide range of ensembles across the United States and internationally, with featured appearances at prestigious events such as the National Trumpet Competition, the International Trumpet Guild Conference, and the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) regional and national conferences. 

A dedicated educator performer in the marching arts, Dr. Marzen performed with the Santa Clara Vanguard and Colts Drum and Bugle Corps before transitioning into instructional roles. She has served as a brass and visual instructor for the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps and is currently a member of the brass instructional staff for the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps. Dr. Marzen holds a Master of Music degree from Florida Atlantic University and Bachelor of Music degree in Trumpet Performance from the University of Iowa. She is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Sigma Alpha Iota and is also an honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma. Her principal teachers include Chris Gekker, Dr. Michael Votta, Dr. Amy Schendel, Dr. Aren Van Houzen, and Dr. Courtney Jones. Dr. Marzen is a proud native from the greatest corn-growing state in the country, Iowa. 

Mike Corrigan, founder of B.A.C. Music, developed an early fascination with musical instruments. By high school, he had already amassed a sizable collection and had begun tinkering, repairing, and restoring horns, laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong pursuit. 

His formal training began at Minnesota State College Southeast Technical in Red Wing, one of the nation’s most respected schools for band instrument repair. While still a student, he landed his first professional gig maintaining brass instruments for the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps — while also marching with the group. It was here that his skills were forged in the high-pressure world of touring musicianship. 

After graduation, he accepted an apprenticeship under the legendary Steve Shires and his team in Hopedale, Massachusetts. He was gaining invaluable experience until the economic shock that followed the 9/11 attacks led to reduced hours and uncertainty. Rather than step away from the industry he loved, he launched a small repair operation within the Hopedale shop — doing business as B.A.C. Horn Doctor — and began building a client base with his exceptional skills and service. 

In 2004, he relocated to Kansas City and threw himself into building B.A.C. full-time. Starting in his basement, then moving to his garage, and eventually to a proper shop in Olathe, Kansas, he remained committed to preserving and evolving the craft of American instrument-making. In 2007, he completed B.A.C.’s first entirely hand-crafted instrument — a historic Sackbut. Though he had previously built instruments and fabricated components for other brands, this marked the official beginning of B.A.C.’s own line of Custom brass instruments. 

That same year, he traveled to New Orleans — still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina — to offer free instrument repair to musicians and students. The experience profoundly changed him. It clarified the mission of B.A.C. as something much greater than one craftsman — it was an opportunity to serve and uplift entire communities through music. That trip helped cement B.A.C.’s purpose-driven identity, rooted in community, artistry, and access. 

A student of history and a devoted craftsman, he  has spent much of his life studying and collecting antique and vintage brass instruments. Inspired by early American makers and the craftsmanship of Old World artisans, he has built B.A.C. not around himself, but as a tribute to the masters who shaped the industry before him. That’s why the company name doesn’t bear his own — it stands for Best American Craftsmen, honoring those past, present, and future who dedicate themselves to this timeless craft. 

Over the years, he has served as a consultant for nearly every major company in the industry, while also collaborating with notable boutique makers. His work with artists like Elliot Mason (Jazz at Lincoln Center) and Paul the Trombonist helped elevate B.A.C.’s visibility early on. A pivotal moment came in 2012 when, inspired by his friend Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, he helped develop a professional line of imported instruments that Andrews personally funded and donated to youth in New Orleans. That initiative laid the groundwork for what would become B.A.C.’s Artist Series, Apprentice Series, and 8-2-5 Marching Brass Series — instrument lines designed to make high-quality horns more accessible to musicians everywhere. 

From 2006 to 2016, Corrigan became a fixture on the DCI Drum Corps tour circuit, known nationwide as the traveling Horn Doctor, providing expert on-the-spot repairs to drum corps from coast to coast. But in 2016, he stepped off the road to focus full-time on building B.A.C. into a leading American manufacturer — a new legacy brand dedicated to craftsmanship, integrity, and innovation. 

Despite suffering a serious injury in 2014 while crafting a trombone bell — losing a finger from his dominant hand — his passion and determination never wavered. His resilience and unyielding commitment have helped B.A.C. endure and thrive, keeping the flame of American instrument-making alive for future generations. 

Corrigan remains the driving force behind B.A.C., not only as a master craftsman but as a mentor, historian, and advocate for music education, community, and the preservation of a dying art. His work is more than just building instruments — it’s about building something that matters. 

Prize-winning pianist Natalia Bolshakova enjoys an active performing career and has been praised for her beautiful and electrifying playing, astonishing versatility, and artistry. She has appeared as a recitalist, chamber musician, and soloist with orchestras in France, England, Germany, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Spain, Russia, and across the United States. Her wide repertoire encompasses works from the Baroque era to the newest music composed for her.  

Bolshakova has been a laureate and a winner in many competitions, including the New Orleans International Piano Competition, the Ima Hogg Young Artist International Competition, and Vysočina International Piano Competition.  

As a recording artist, she collaborated with trumpeter John Holt on several albums, two of which were named "Best New Recordings" from North America by Gramophone magazine in 2005. In 2018, MSR Classics released the Russian Trumpet Sonatas CD by Iskander Akhmadullin, trumpet, and Natalia Bolshakova, which includes 7 world premiere recordings. Together with oboist Dan Willett they have recorded an album Stolen Treasures for Oboe and Piano in 2019 and Trios for Oboe, Clarinet and Piano in 2022 with clarinetist Wes Warnhoff. Dawn of the Trombone Soloist with Timothy Howe was released by Centaur in 2023.    

Bolshakova, who has been on the faculty of the School of Music at the University of Missouri since 2004, studied at the Moscow State Conservatory, Moscow Ippolitov-Ivanov College, and the University of North Texas.

Professor of Trumpet at the University of Missouri, has taught and performed as a soloist and chamber musician in the United States, Russia, Japan, Austria, Germany, Australia, Armenia, France, Mexico, Chile, South Korea, and Belgium. As an orchestral musician, he has worked in Russia and the US and can be heard on the Marco Polo, Naxos, Hugo, Klavier, and Delos labels. He is currently the co-principal trumpet of the Missouri Symphony. 

In 2018, Iskander Akhmadullin and pianist Natalia Bolshakova released the Russian Trumpet Sonatas CD on MSR Classics, which includes seven world premiere recordings. Critics agree that they “play all the music idiomatically, stylishly,” “with impetus and élan,” and that “there are plenty of jaw-dropping moments of virtuoso musicianship.” 

Akhmadullin has been a faculty member at the National Trumpet Competition, Midwest Trumpet Festival, and Rafael Méndez International Brass Festival in Mexico, and as a member of the World Brass Association, he taught and performed at the Wartburg Festival and Festival Junger Künstler Bayreuth in Germany. He has performed at the International Trumpet Guild conferences, as well as the Missouri and Texas Music Educators Association conventions.  

Dr. Akhmadullin was a faculty member at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and taught at the University of North Texas and Moscow Conservatory. He studied with Abbas Slashkin, Vadim Novikov, Leonard Candelaria, and Keith Johnson. Iskander Akhmadullin is the first brass player from Eastern Europe to earn a doctorate from a major American university. He is an artist-clinician for Schilke Trumpets. 

Matthew Vangjel is the Assistant Professor of Trumpet at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Prior to his appointment at UMKC, he taught for nine years at Louisiana State University.  

Vangjel is a passionate performer and educator. As a chamber musician, he was a member of the Mirari Brass Quintet (Ariel Artists) from 2014-2023, and he is a long-time member of the internationally-acclaimed Fountain City Brass Band. As an orchestral musician, Vangjel is the principal trumpet of the Mobile Symphony and has performed with many other orchestras including the Alabama Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, and the Kansas City Symphony.  

He is a graduate of the University of Missouri - Kansas City (DMA), the University of Michigan (MM), and James Madison University (BM- Music Education). 

Stan Kessler is a trumpet / flugelhorn player, band leader, clinician, and educator in the Kansas City area. He also does extensive writing and arranging for small groups. He is currently leading The Sons of Brasil (34 years), The Stan Kessler Quartet/ Trio/Duo (45 years), and Horacescope (27 years). Kessler has seven recording projects to his credit as leader, and has produced another six projects for other artists.  

For 22 years, Kessler has maintained an adjunct position at The University of Missouri at Kansas City in Jazz trumpet, theory and improvisation, and music business classes. For 17 years Kessler has been on faculty of KC Youth Jazz and Metro Jazz Workshop and The Kansas City Jazz Academy. He is well versed in every style of jazz and rock, including Brasilian and Afro-Cuban jazz.  

He was voted Best Trumpet Player and Leader of the Best Jazz Band (SOBs) in KC by the Pitch Readers’ Poll, and was deemed Musician of The Year by blogger Plastic Sax in 2013 and favorite trumpet player of 2022 by JAM Magazine. In 2023, he revived The Ellington Family Jazz Educator Award, and was voted Favorite Trumpet Player by the readers of The Jazz Ambassador Magazine in 2022 and 2023.  

He has appeared in concert with Clark Terry, Paquito D'Rivera, Gary Foster, Karrin Allyson, Steve Cardenas, Kevin Mahogany, Bobby Watson, Kim Park, Matt Otto and Carl Allen, Adam Larson, The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra, and many others.

Trey Wadell is the director of bands in the Carl Junction R-1 School District. His primary responsibilities include Jazz 1, Wind Ensemble, and the marching band. Prior to his time in Carl Junction, Wadell was the band director at Pittsburg Community Middle School in Pittsburg, Kansas. 

Wadell received his Bachelor of Music Education from Pittsburg State University in 2008. He graduated cum laude with departmental honors and is also a graduate of the Honors College. His primary teachers were Dr. Todd Hastings (trumpet) and Dr. Craig Fuchs (conducting/music ed). Wadell received his Master of Music with an emphasis in music education and instrumental conducting from Kansas State University in 2013. 

As a trumpet player, Wadell has worked extensively in the Four State area. He is the principal trumpet in the Four State Symphonic Winds which performed at MMEA in 2019 and 2024. He is the lead trumpet player and organizer of the Band Director Big Band which plays each year at the Jazz at the Junction Jazz Festival. This group performed at the 2022 Missouri Bandmasters Association conference.  He has also performed with the Missouri Jazz Orchestra, Crossroads Jazz Orchestra, Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, and Paralandra. 

Wadell is currently the president  for the Missouri Association for Jazz Education. He is also the past-president of the Southwest District of MMEA where he also serves as the all-district jazz band coordinator and webmaster. He lives in Pittsburg with his wife Ashley and four children: James, Thomas, Katie, and Maisie. 

Aren Van Houzen is a nationally traveled and renowned trumpeter currently serving as an assistant professor of music at Truman State University where he teaches Trumpet. He additionally serves as second trumpet for Orchestra Iowa, principal trumpet for the Quincy Symphony Orchestra, trumpet for Durward Ensemble, and second trumpet in Orquesta Alto Maiz.  

He also maintains and recruits a private trumpet studio of aspiring All-Staters and curious young minds. He has served as professor of music at Culver-Stockton College, vice president of Artistic Engagement for Quincy Civic Music Association, and also finished up nine years of service on the Orchestra Iowa players committee.  

Van Houzen has been a featured soloist with several performing organizations in the tri-state area and continues to promote a modest soloist/clinician schedule. Of notable performances, he has recently performed the Arutunian Trumpet Concerto with the Quincy Symphony Orchestra. 

He has worked with Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, his brother Branford Marsalis, pianist Emanuel Ax, premiered multiple works from Grammy winning composer Michael Daugherty, and has performed with Simon Estes.  

Further notable experience in the music industry has included performing contracts with Clyde Beatty Cole Brothers Circus (1996), Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra (summers 1997-99), touring shows of The Sound of Music, Weird Al, Foreigner, Styx, Art Garfunkel, and a Harry James tribute band.  

He has also apprenticed with mouthpiece and mute manufacturers while offering custom trumpet alterations in the late 1990s. He earned his degrees through Hope College in 1994, and the University of Iowa (M.A 1996, D.M.A. 2008).