Frost students take top honors at the New Zealand International Brass Festival

The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami congratulates two of its brilliant students who recently achieved extraordinary heights at the prestigious New Zealand International Brass Festival Solo Competition.
New Zealand Frost Winners
The Frost School of Music at the University of Miami congratulates two of its brilliant students who recently achieved extraordinary heights at the prestigious New Zealand International Brass Festival Solo Competition. Jason Donnelly, B.M. ’21, a senior in the Instrumental Performance program was named first prize winner in the Professional Artist category and Kendra Luedke, B.A.M. ’23, a sophomore studying for her Bachelor of Arts in Music placed second in the Young Artist Category.

"I am incredibly proud of how consistent Jason Donnelly and Kendra Luedke have become with every detailed aspect of their playing and with their preparations for international competitions such as these,” states Dr. Arron Tindall, Frost School’s Associate Professor of Tuba and Euphonium. “It’s remarkable that they are both doing this during their undergraduate years. The results are showing for many in the tuba/euphonium studio as there have so many big wins in competitions and earning jobs in the last few years. They are truly building themselves here at the Frost School of Music!"

In commenting on how his education at Frost helped him prepare for this moment, Jason Donnelly stated: “Frost has engrossed me in an environment of talented performers, educators, and students who are dedicated to their craft. I am motivated and inspired by these people every day. The fantastic specialized instruction I receive at Frost has been absolutely paramount to my artistic successes and I look forward to learning more from this environment.”

Kendra Luedke stated: “Being among so many talented and supportive peers and mentors in my studio with the Frost School as a whole continuously motivates me to practice harder and work towards bigger goals as a musician.”