On behalf of the ITG Board of Directors, it is my privilege to welcome you to our beautiful community at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. We are thrilled to bring the global trumpet community together right here in the heart of the Bluegrass for an unforgettable week of music, learning, and fellowship.

This year’s conference is packed with exceptional programming designed to inspire players at every stage of their journey. For students, we offer an unmatched environment for growth, highlighted by the Ryan Anthony Memorial Trumpet Competition, which provides an incredible platform across eight distinct divisions for young artists to showcase their talents and learn from a world-class panel of judges. Students and young artists will benefit from dedicated Emerging Professionals events, featuring sessions and networking opportunities specifically designed to help navigate the transition from student life into a successful career. Nonprofessionals and comeback players can participant in multiple events uniquely tailored to helping them develop their playing and curiosity for the instrument. And students of all ages can learn from the many concerts, sessions, and clinics offered every day at the conference.

Between sessions, you can visit our exhibit hall, conveniently and centrally located in UK’s still-new Gatton Student Center, offering the perfect chance to try out the latest trumpets, test mouthpieces, browse sheet music, and check out the newest gear and tech from the industry’s leaders. This year, participants will have the option to stay on campus, in apartment-style student dorms located just steps from the Gatton Student Center and Singletary Center for the Arts.

Above all, this week is about community; the opportunities for networking are endless, whether you are reconnecting with old friends, meeting legendary players, or collaborating with new peers in the hallways between events.

Lexington is a truly beautiful place, and I highly encourage you to take some time to explore everything our city has to offer. In Lexington, you will find a vibrant local arts community, iconic rolling hills dotted with historic horse farms, and an incredibly diverse, world-class restaurant scene. Lexington’s rich history includes the Henry Clay Estate, the Mary Todd Lincoln House, and the 19th century Grartz Park. Lexington is also the horse capital of the world, and the birthplace of bourbon! Whether you’re seeking historical tourism, horse parks, or visits to distilleries, Lexington is the perfect backdrop for our annual gathering.

A hearty thank you to our amazing conference team who work tirelessly to make every conference successful, which includes our conference director Rebecca Wilt, our assistant conference director Anthony Salabarria, and their amazing support staff and volunteers.

Thank you for being here, for sharing your passion, and for contributing to the vibrant culture of our organization. Let’s make the 2027 conference our best one yet!

Warm regards,

Jason Dovel

President, International Trumpet Guild
Professor of Trumpet, University of Kentucky