SIU trumpet ensemble to nationals: SIU Carbondale’s trumpet ensemble — Adam Arbetello (seated) along with (from left) Nick Lyon, Ricky Spears, assistant professor of trumpet; Nick Bruno, Xander Lynch and Jeff Imes — will compete next month in the National Trumpet Competition for a second straight year. (Photo by Russell Bailey)
February 24, 2026
SIU trumpet ensemble looks to make noise in national competition
CARBONDALE, Ill. — For a second straight year, Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s School of Music will vie for a title in the small ensemble division of the collegiate National Trumpet Competition.
“I am very proud of the students and feel so fortunate to teach these wonderful people daily,” said Ricky Spears, an assistant professor of trumpet and assistant director of athletic bands. “Making it into the competition for a second year in a row really showcases the work ethic of the trumpet studio in their pursuit for excellence and support of each other.”
The competition is March 19-22 at the University of Iowa. SIU is slated to perform at 9:40 a.m. March 19 in small ensemble division B.
The five-member ensemble will also give their first public performance at the chamber ensemble concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, in Shryock Auditorium.
Strong competition
Each year, there are about 1,200 video submissions from universities across the nation, including some with two or three ensemble entries. The competition is whittled down to 40 entries in two divisions — for ensembles with six or fewer people and those with seven or more, Spears said.
The small ensemble competition includes teams from the University of Michigan, University of Colorado-Boulder, Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Conservatory, Indiana University, University of North Texas, University of Texas-Austin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Baylor University, the University of Kentucky and the University of Florida.
This year’s SIU’s trumpet ensemble, with their majors, are:
- Jeff Imes, graduate masters, trumpet performance, Lexington, Kentucky.
- Nick Bruno, graduate masters, trumpet performance, Los Angeles, California.
- Nick Lyon, senior, music business, Pikeville, Kentucky.
- Xander Lynch, senior, trumpet performance - Bethany, Oklahoma.
- Adam Arbetello, junior, music education, Yukon, Oklahoma.
All but Bruno competed at nationals a year ago. That experience will help because “they now know what to expect this year,” Spears said.
Assembling a trumpet studio from scratch
Last year marked the first time in school history an SIU ensemble reached the NTC since the contest’s inception in 1992. Hired in spring 2024 for the fall semester, Spears began assembling a trumpet studio and has seen it increase from 18 to 21 members this year.
“If someone had told me this would be a reality a year ago, I would not have believed them,” Spears said. “When you have goal-oriented students with dreams and an incredible work ethic, anything is possible.”
Spears also credits Richard Kelley, School of Music director, and his colleagues within the department.
“If it wasn't for Dr. Kelley, none of this would even be possible,” Spears said. “He takes care of so many behind-the-scenes work that is necessary to make events like this possible for the students.”
Spears said his colleagues are great to work with.
“I have never met a more welcoming and supportive faculty,” he said, noting the School of Music goes “beyond the call of duty to ensure our students have what they need to be successful.”
Kelley said it’s a “significant honor” for the trumpet ensemble to be selected a second consecutive year.
“This competition always features the best trumpet studios and performers from across the country,” he said. “Being selected in consecutive years speaks to the leadership and consistency of Dr. Spears to prepare these students to an elevated level. We are fortunate to have faculty and students of this caliber in School of Music.”