North Texas Euph NOMS

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I recently presented on the North Texas Euphonium Quartet for my last presentation in our class with Professor Manning.  This is a group that is killing it on all fronts, they are up and coming and continually progressing as a group.  Below is their biography from their website.  I'd like to note that in their biography it states that they are currently studying with Dr. Brian Bowman at the University of North Texas, however, they have gone off (individually) to teach at colleges and pursue professional playing careers.  In a recent interview with Danny Chapa, it was mentioned that within the next five years they will all have completed their Doctorates.

Biography:
Since its formation in 2012, the North Texas Euphonium Quartet has emerged as the leader among a formidable new crop of euphonium quartets from all across the globe.  The group is comprised of doctoral candidates currently studying with Dr. Brian Bowman at the University of North Texas, and is the only quartet whose members have all been finalists in the world renowned Leonard Falcone International Euphonium Competition.  The quartet has become one of the most active young chamber ensembles in the country through performances at numerous universities and music conferences throughout the United States, the commissioning and performing of works written specifically for the ensemble, and educational outreach with younger euphonium players.

Unmatched in quality, the group is dedicated to the advancement of the chamber medium of the euphonium quartet as well as to the continued advancement of the euphonium itself, and is excited to offer composers the unique opportunity to write for an ensemble whose repertoire is just now being formed. - NTEQ Website

I'd like to talk about the members a bit and tell you what they are currently doing outside of the quartet.

Dr. Danny Chapa is currently the Adjunct Low Brass Professor at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he teaches with tubist J.D. Salas.  He is also a member of the Lone Star Wind Orchestra and principal trombonist of the Odysseus Chamber Orchestra.  

Chris McGinty serves as the current Director of Instrumental Studies at North Central Texas College, where he conducts the NCTC Wind Ensemble and teaches Low Brass. 

Vince Kenney currently serves as Assistant Director of Bands/Lecturer of Low Brass at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.  Prior to Drake, Vince was the Director of Instrumental Music at North Central Texas College in Gainesville, Texas where he founded the NCTC Wind Ensemble.

 Staff Sergeant (SSG) Irving Ray is a euphonium player in the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in Washington, D.C. 

I have been fortunate to hear these professionals, and lucky for me, my friends, perform live on several occasions.  They have performed at regional conferences, and perform three to four times a year.  In just a few weeks they will perform as guest artists at the International Tuba Euphonium Conference (2019), I am hoping that they're hall is packed with musicians because THEY NEED TO BE HEARD! 

This past fall (2018) they recorded their album "Machines" and it is still being edited.  This is their debut album. 

What I enjoy most about this group is their attitude, their strive for excellence, and devotion to searching for new works for the euphonium quartet.  An amazing thing they did recently was host a composers competition.  They invited composers to write works for the euphonium quartet, they choose pieces that were exceptional and perform them live on their tours and also record them for the public.  By doing this they are helping build a library of repertoire for the euphonium quartet and also giving recognition to these hardworking composers.

Since they are in different states and have strict schedules they are not able to perform more often in the year.  I hope that in the next few years their jobs will allow more time for projects and tours.
I would highly recommend keeping up to date with this amazing group.  Make sure to check out their recordings, performances and website!

Here is a recording of Donegal Bay (1999) by Paul Lovatt-Cooper (b.1976) (Arr. by NTEQ).  Unfortunately, this recording is only posted on facebook so you would have to log in. 

For more accessible recording visit their Youtube Page!












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