MSU Quintet Shines in 2024 National Trumpet Competition

Emmitt Rieffer, senior from Canton, Missouri, is a member of the Missouri State University Trumpet Quintet and won third place in The Bill Pfund Trumpets College Small Ensemble Division, at the 2024 National Trumpet Competition (NTC) at Texas A&M University, March 8-11.

The small ensemble division began with 40 groups from universities around the country. Eight ensembles advanced to the semifinals and Missouri State finished third, winning $750 in prize money. Taking first and second place were University of Houston and Baylor University, respectively.

Five students from the music department made up The quintet members were : Emmitt Rieffer, senior, Canton, Missouri, Ben Fetzer, Springfield, Missouri. Samantha Record, Bourbon, Emily Schmidt, Saint Charles, , and Marcellus Weinzierl,Belton, Missouri.

“They took full responsibility for preparing the music and scheduling many performances in preparation for this competition,” said Dr. Grant Peters, brass area coordinator and professor of music at MSU.

“Despite being in the company of ensembles from many of the most prestigious music schools in the country - often competing with masters and doctoral students - they remained motivated. It was a joy watching them work and, even better, seeing their reactions when they advanced to the finals.” Preparation for the competition began early in the year with students selecting music. The musical selection could not be longer than eight minutes because of the competition scheduling.”After technical preparations, the students worked to refine the musical aspects through memorization and numerous performances on campus, in the community and at area high schools,” Peters said. “This served as a recruiting opportunity for the university as well.”