A current student and two alumni who studied in the tuba and euphonium studio at the MSU College of Music recently received coveted awards in performance, research, and recording.

Sophomore Joseph LeFevre won first prize and a cash award of $1,200 in the student tuba division at the 2014 Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Festival in Twin Lake, Mich. in August. LeFevre is a tubist with a double major in performance and music education. 

“Joe has demonstrated he has what it takes to excel on the tuba,” says Phil Sinder, MSU professor of tuba and euphonium. “He's gifted on his instrument, he works incredibly hard, and he loves to give a performance whether he is in a lesson or putting it all on the line for a competition.”

A win at the Falcone Festival, Sinder says, is extremely valued in tuba and euphonium circles. The festival, now in its 29th year, attracts tuba and euphonium players from around the globe to perform and compete at high levels. Named in honor of longtime MSU faculty member, brass player, and director of MSU bands Leonard Falcone, the festival was founded by a group of former Falcone students in cooperation with Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.

Recent Tuba Alumni Awards

The MSU College of Music also made news in the world of brass when two former doctoral students and recipients of the MSU University Distinguished Fellowship award received recognition from the International Tuba Euphonium Association at the 2014 International Tuba Euphonium Conference at Indiana University.

Gail Robertson (DMA 2013), professor at the University of Central Arkansas, was named winner of the “Clifford Bevan Award for Excellence in Research” for her presentation, entitled “Restoring the Euphonium’s Legacy as Cello of the Wind Band.” Kent Eshelman (DMA 2007), professor at Baylor University, was named the winner of the “Roger Bobo Award for Excellence in Recording” for his solo classical tuba CD entitled “Flavors.”

“There is a long history of excellence in tuba and euphonium here at MSU,” says Sinder. “I’m honored to continue that tradition and to uphold our reputation as one of the leading tuba and euphonium studios in the country.”