AUDITIONS
Learn how to audition for the School of Music and the TAMUK Trumpet Studio.
FACULTY
Find out more about the quality faculty who lead the TAMUK Trumpet Studio.
TRUMPET TIPS
Essays from Dr. Millsap to improve trumpet playing.
There are a number of activities available within the trumpet studio at TAMUK, in addition to weekly applied lessons with Dr. Millsap and Dr. McLean. These include the Trumpet Ensemble, the Jazz Trumpet Ensemble, Brass Ensembles, and Trumpet Studio Class. TAMUK also offers many ensemble opportunities for trumpet students.
Trumpet Ensemble

Stacks Image 8342
Texas A&M-Kingsville Trumpet Ensembles have performed at the International Trumpet Guild, Texas Music Educators Association Convention, and the College Music Society National Conference. They also frequently compete at the National Trumpet Competition, finishing 3rd in 2021 and in the top 6 in the country in 2018 & 2019. They regularly commission and premier new works by both professional and student composers.

They frequently perform at university events and perform a recital each semester. Ensembles are directed by Dr. Millsap, Dr. McLean, Prof. Salinas, and student conducting assistants.
De Colores Fuertes by Dr. Tom Zinninger performed by the TAMUK Jalisco Trumpet Ensemble.
February 7, 2021
America the Beautiful performed by the TAMUK Trumpet Ensemble
April 9, 2019
Jazz Trumpets

Stacks Image 8359
The Jazz Trumpets are a hybrid of the jazz and trumpet ensemble programs, specializing in repertoire typically for 4-5 trumpets, with or without rhythm section. Recent performances include the International Trumpet Guild Conference (2017, 2018, 2021 & 2022) and National Trumpet Competition (2018 & 2020). They are directed by Dr. Millsap.
Performance by the Jazz Trumpet Ensemble.
April 17, 2021
More Studio Opportunities

In addition to ensemble performance opportunities, the studio has a variety of pedagogical offerings, such as:
WARM-UP CLASS
Every morning, Dr. Millsap leads a 30-minute warm-up session for the studio.
TECHNIQUE CLASS
On Fridays, Dr. Millsap leads a class where students work through the Clarke Technical Studies and other trumpet methods.
STUDIO CLASS
The studio class covers a variety of topics from traditional masterclasses and pedagogy seminars to arranging and performance.
TRUMPET LAB
Trumpet Lab is a student-run performance class where students perform material they have been preparing and receive peer feedback.
School of Music Ensembles

Students can audition for placement in a variety of School of Music ensembles, including:
BANDS
Wind Symphony
Symphonic Band
Concert Band
University Band
JAZZ
Jazz Band I, II, III, IV
Jazz Combo I, II, III
Latin Jazz
ORCHESTRA
Kingsville Symphony Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra
Opera Orchestra
MARIACHI
Mariachi Javelina
Mariachi
Studio Accomplishments & Guest Artists

2023-24
National Trumpet Competition
Competition Host
 
Ensemble Division
Quarter-Finalist, Large Ensemble: Javelina
Solo Division
Quarter-Finalist Undergraduate: Severin Manley
 
Graduate School Placements
Isaac Garza, University of Nevada Las Vegas
Severin Manley, Indiana University


Guest Artists
Joey Tartell
2022-23
Album Releases
Out of the Blue
 
Graduate School Placements
Carolina De La Rosa, University of Nevada Las Vegas
Brandon O’Donohue, University of Nevada Las Vegas


Guest Artists
Chase Sanborn
2021-22
International Trumpet Guild
Prelude Performances
Jalisco & Javelina Ensembles
Affiliate Chapter Showcase Performance
Jazz Trumpets
 
National Trumpet Competition
Ensemble Division
Quarter-Finalist, Small Ensemble: Jalisco & Blue
Quarter-Finalist, Large Ensemble: Javelina
Solo Division
Quarter-Finalist Undergraduate: Jesus Espinoza
 
Texas Music Educators Association
Trumpet Ensemble Showcase Performance
 
Graduate School Placements
Jesus Espinoza, Southeastern Louisiana University
Lacey Peschel, University of Memphis
2020-21
International Trumpet Guild
Prelude Performances
Jalisco, Javelina Ensembles & Jazz Trumpets
 
National Trumpet Competition
Ensemble Division
Finalist, 3rd place: Jalisco
Semi-Finalist: Javelina
Solo Division
Semi-Finalist, Graduate: Lacey Peschel
Semi-Finalist Military Band Excerpt: Ramon Garcia

 
Graduate School Placements
Brandon O’Donohue, Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Guest Artists
Dr. Nairam Simoes
2019-20
National Trumpet Competition
Ensemble Division
Quarter-Finalist, Small Ensemble: Jalisco
Quarter-Finalist, Large Ensemble: Javelina & Gold

 
Texas Music Educators Association
TMEA 100 It Starts With Music Performance
Jazz Band I Performance

Guest Artists
Caleb Hudson
Dr. Chris Moore
Eric Murine
Kristian Steenstrup
Joey Tartell
2018-19
International Trumpet Guild
Prelude Performances
Javelina Ensemble & Jazz Trumpets
Affiliate Chapter Showcase
TAMUK Trumpet Guild Ensemble
 
National Trumpet Competition
Ensemble Division
Semi-Finalist, Large Ensemble: Jalisco

Texas Music Educators Association
Wind Symphony Performance
 
Graduate School Placements
Javier Salinas, University of Kentucky
Christian Arteaga, Texas A&M University-Kingsville

Guest Artists
Jens Lindemann
2017-18
International Trumpet Guild
Affiliate Chapter Showcase
TAMUK Trumpet Guild Ensemble
 
National Trumpet Competition
Ensemble Division
Semi-Finalist, Small Ensemble: Jazz
Quarter-Finalist, Small Ensemble: Blue
Quarter-Finalist, Large Ensemble: Javelina

 
College Music Society National Conference
Composer's Showcase performance
 
Graduate School Placements
Michelle Hernandez, University of North Texas

Guest Artists
Vince DiMartino
2016-17
International Trumpet Guild
Affiliate Chapter Showcase
Jazz Trumpets

Guest Artists
Judith Saxton
Doc Severinsen
2015-16
National Trumpet Competition
Ensemble Division
Semi-Finalist, Small Ensemble: Jalisco
  
Texas Music Educators Association
Trumpet Ensemble Showcase Performance
  
Graduate School Placements
Jonathan de la Cruz, Indiana University

Guest Artists
Dr. Stanley Friedman
John Holt
Dan Miller
Dr. Raquel Samayoa
Spanish Brass
2014-15
National Trumpet Competition
Ensemble Division
Semi-Finalist, Small Ensemble: Jalisco
Solo Division
Semi-Finalist Undergraduate: Felix Cruz
  
Graduate School Placements
Jorge Rangel, Texas A&M University-Kingsville
  
Kingsville Music Club Scholarship
Javier Salinas

Guest Artists
Dr. Jack Burt
Bill Churchville
Mnozil Brass
Charles Schlueter
Dr, David Spencer
US Army Field Band Brass Quintet
2013-14
Guest Artists
Dr. Logan Place
Byron Stripling
Graduates

MM in Performance
Nicolas Hernandez (2023)
Brandon O'Donohue (2023)
Lacey Peschel (2022)
Jorge Rangel (2019)
BM in Performance
Severin Manley (2024)
Jesus Espinoza (2022)
Brandon O'Donohue (2021)
Christian Chavez (2020)
Michelle Hernandez (2018)
Javier Salinas (2018)
BM in Jazz Studies
Isaac Garza (2021)
BM w/ Teacher Certification
Tony Del Bosque (2024)
Danny Moya (2024)
Joshua Molina (2023)
Jessenia Reyna (2023)
Carolina De La Rosa (2022)
Tony Hernandez (2022)
Ramon Garcia (2021)
Freddy Figueroa (2021)
Javier Garcia (2020)
Ismael Lopez (2020)
Anthony Perez (2020)
Seth Saucedo (2020)
Christopher Thrash (2020)
Christian Arteaga (2019)
Katherine Garza (2019)
Francisco Hernandez (2019)
Juan De Dios Perez (2019)
Jose Villanueva (2019)
Antonio De La Rosa (2017)
Jonathan De La Cruz (2016)
Jorge Rangel (2015)
Samantha Neely (2015)
Melinda Armadillo (2014)
The Studio

Seniors
 
Brandon Alvarado
 
Major: BM w/ Teacher Certification
High School: Donna High School
Hometown: Donna, TX
 
David De La Rosa
 
Major: BM w/ Teacher Certification
High School: San Benito High School
Hometown: San Benito, TX
 
Yamila De La Rosa
 
Major: BM in Performance
High School: Los Fresnos High School
Hometown: Los Fresnos, TX
 
Evan Garza
 
Major: BM in Performance
High School: Alice High School
Hometown: Alice, TX
 
Alex Montoya
 
Major: BM w/ Teacher Certification
High School: Veterans Memorial High School
Hometown: Brownsville, TX
 
Jacob Moreno
 
Stacks Image 8668
Major: BM in Jazz Studies & BM w/ Teacher Certification
High School: Harlingen High School
Hometown: Harlingen, TX
I play the trumpet because it’s an extension of myself, it’s a way to give a piece of my self to everybody listening through my playing. My career goal is to give back to the community that changed my life, and hopefully create the same passion that I have for music in my future students.
 
Jesaiah Torres
 
Major: BM w/ Teacher Certification
High School: Alice High School
Hometown: Alice, TX
Juniors
 
AJ Benavides
 
Stacks Image 8708
Major: BM w/ Teacher Certification
High School: Hebbronville High School
Hometown: Hebbronville, TX
"Besides trumpet, the things I enjoy most are spending time with my family and friends, gaming, and working out."
 
Jon-Michael Gonzalez
 
Stacks Image 8726
Major: BM w/ Teacher Certification
High School: Orange Grove High School
Hometown: Orange Grove, TX
"My future career goals are to continue into graduate studies for Wind Conducting once I complete my undergraduate degree. Following that I will be pursuing a D.M.A. to get a job as a university band professor."
 
Adolfo Leon
 
Stacks Image 8744
Major: BM w/ Teacher Certification
High School: H.M. King High School
Hometown: Kingsville, TX
There are many incredible aspects that I love about the music program at TAMUK, but one of the top aspects that stand out to me is the dedication the professors have towards the students. Their endless efforts to help us be the greatest musicians we can be is inspirational.
 
BenRay Lopez
 
Stacks Image 8762
Major: BM w/ Teacher Certification & Jazz Studies Certificate
High School: PSJA Early College High School
Hometown: San Juan, TX
“My career goals are to help younger generations find a love for music the same way I did and help young trumpet players become the best musician and person they possibly could be.”
 
Sarah Mendez
 
Major: BM w/ Teacher Certification
High School: San Benito High School
Hometown: San Benito, TX
 
Joseph Sosa
 
Major: BM w/ Teacher Certification
High School: Nixon High School
Hometown: Laredo, TX
 
Celeste Torres
 
Stacks Image 8816
Major: BS in Chemical Engineering
High School: Alice High School
Hometown: Alice, TX
"Music is able to connect humanity in a way, I believe, few other mediums could do. It is able to communicate joy, terror, sadness, triumph, and so many complex emotions in a way that words alone could not. It can often bring about memories and emotions that were long forgotten, acting as a tie between your senses and your being. Music is just splendid."
Sophomores
 
Priscilla Alcala
 
Stacks Image 9207
Major: BM w/ Teacher Certification
High School: San Benito High School
Hometown: San Benito, TX
I’ve always liked music because there are songs that resonate with every moment we go through in life, and because sometimes it speaks louder than words.
 
Angel Caldwell
 
Stacks Image 8856
Major: BM w/ Teacher Certification
High School: George West High School
Hometown: George West, TX
I play the trumpet because it brings me joy to play beautiful or amazing music. What I like most about our music program is how helpful and nice everyone is, plus the fact everyone wants to see you succeed. My career goals are to get my degree to teach, then start working with some of my old band directors to learn from before I start to teach on my own. What I like about music is that it has the ability to make you feel emotional about a piece and how it can bring people together as well as make them smile. Besides trumpet the things I enjoy most are video games, legos, and spending time with my loved ones.
 
Ernesto Casas
 
Major: BM w/ Teacher Certification
High School: Hanna High School
Hometown: Brownsville, TX
 
Nate Diez
 
Major: BM w/ Teacher Certification
High School: Calallen High School
Hometown: Corpus Christi, TX
 
Myla Elizondo
 
Major: BM w/ Teacher Certification
High School: Rio Grande City High School
Hometown: Rio Grande City, TX
 
David Hernandez
 
Stacks Image 8928
Major: BM w/ Teacher Certification
High School: Uvalde High School
Hometown: Uvalde, TX
The thing about the TAMUK music program that I love the most is honestly the people. Everyone here is so welcoming and friendly it makes college life way less stressful then I feel like it would be if I was going to another school.
 
Santos Hernandez
 
Stacks Image 8946
Major: BM w/ Teacher Certification
High School: La Feria High School
Hometown: La Feria, TX
"When I was first choosing an instrument for middle school band the main reason I decided to pick trumpet was because it only had three 'buttons' so I thought it’d be the easiest instrument. Obviously, I was wrong. Nowadays, the trumpet has really become a passion of mine as it’s something that lets me express how I feel much better than words. Go javelinas!"
 
Caleb Morales
 
Stacks Image 8964
Major: BM w/ Teacher Certification
High School: Robstown Early College High School
Hometown: Robstown, TX
"Besides trumpet, I really enjoy spending time with family. I’m a huge Dallas Cowboys fan and Arby’s enthusiast. You can find me jamming out to Mariachi music and fishing in my spare time."
 
Albert Perez
 
Major: BM w/ Teacher Certification
High School: C.C. Winn High School
Hometown: Eagle Pass, TX
 
Ricardo Quiroz
 
Major: BM w/ Teacher Certification
High School: Academy High School
Hometown: Kingsville, TX
 
Nate Rivera
 
Major: Bachelor of Music with Teacher Certification
High School: McAllen High School
Hometown: McAllen Memorial, TX
 
Jessie Solis
 
Major: Bachelor of Music with Teacher Certification
High School: PSJA Southwest Early College High School
Hometown: Pharr, TX
Freshmen
 
Ismael Benitez
 
Stacks Image 9058
Major: Bachelor of Music with Teacher Certification
High School: George Bush High School
Hometown: Sugar Land, TX
One thing I like about the music program at TAMUK is the many opportunities to understand and learn different styles of music. While also meeting people with different skills and talents.
 
Ricardo Flores
 
Major: Bachelor of Music with Teacher Certification
High School: Lopez High School
Hometown: Brownsville, TX
 
Zinthia Lara
 
Major: Bachelor of Music with Teacher Certification
High School: Lyle High School
Hometown: Lytle, TX
 
Fernando Martinez
 
Major: Bachelor of Music with Teacher Certification
High School: Victoria High School
Hometown: Victoria, TX
 
Jason Martinez
 
Major: Bachelor of Music with Teacher Certification
High School: Sinton High School
Hometown: Sinton, TX
 
Hector Montoya
 
Major: Bachelor of Music with Teacher Certification
High School: Veterans Memorial High School
Hometown: Brownsville, TX
 
Hiram Sanchez
 
Major: Bachelor of Music with Teacher Certification
High School: Harlingen South High School
Hometown: Harlingen, TX
 
Aiden Villafranca
 
Major: Bachelor of Music with Teacher Certification
High School: San Benito High School
Hometown: San Benito, TX
Stacks Image 8305
Stacks Image 8307
For more information
TAMUK School of Music
MSC 174, 700 University Blvd
Kingsville, TX 78363-8202
kyle.millsap@tamuk.edu
Physical address
Music Building
775 N Armstrong Ave
Kingsville, TX 78363