Debbie Davis, band director for South Edgecombe and West Edgecombe Middle Schools exposed her sixth, seventh and eighth grade band students to a lesson in college level band instruction.

Dr. Britt Theurer, trumpet instructor in the ECU School of Music Band Program and a five-member group of trumpeters, all music majors, were invited to South Edgecombe to give the approximately 120 students a sample of what it takes to compete in a National Trumpet Competition.

In March, this group of trumpeters competed with schools like the prestigious Julliard School in New York and Boston University, making it to the semi-finals and ultimately placing fourth overall in the national competition.

The group performed their competition piece and other examples of classical and contemporary, ending with the theme from Star Wars.

Dr. Theurer explained how optimum breathing techniques can help a musician to master his horn, emphasizing that “daily practice will eventually get you to those high notes.” Each year, Davis makes a special effort to give her band students a chance to hear performances presented by career musicians and professionals.

The ECU School of Music has provided several clinicians for her program, and the Edgecombe County Arts Council has awarded funding from the Grassroots Arts Program of NC Arts Council each year. Davis has scheduled one more presentation before the school year is complete.