Volker Brass: UMKC Conservatory Graduate Fellowship Brass Quintet, received the American Brass Quintet Prize in the Senior Division of the Fischoff Winds and Brass Competition. Volker traveled to South Bend, Indiana May 10–12, 2019 to compete as a Quarterfinalist in the Fischoff Senior Division Winds and Brass Competition. The group advanced to the semifinal round, and was awarded the American Brass Quintet Prize in the Senior Division for outstanding brass ensemble. Volker Brass was selected through a video round as one of twelve quarterfinal groups from around the world, and was one of six groups to advance to the semifinal round this weekend. Earlier this year, Volker Brass was one of seven national finalists for the Music Teacher’s National Association Chamber Winds Competition.
During the 2018–2019 year, the group has performed three full recital programs at the Conservatory and presented concerts and clinics at seven middle and high schools in the Kansas City metro area. In late March, Volker Brass traveled to West Des Moines, Iowa and performed and worked with students at Waukee High School and Indianola High School, and conducted a day-long brass clinic with students at Winterset High School.
Volker Brass’s members are Joon Park, DMA, trumpet performance; Andrew Stadler, DMA trumpet performance; Maria Nyikos, MM, horn performance; Brent Mead, MM, trombone performance; and Patrick Yeh, MM, tuba performance. The group is coached by Prof. Thomas Stein.