TRUMPET

Jeri Blade is a trumpeter and music educator from Normal, Illinois. She graduated from Illinois State University in 2023 with a degree in Music Education. While at ISU, Jeri enjoyed a diverse array of musical experiences including principal trumpet of the ISU Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra, as well as playing in jazz ensembles, chamber ensembles, and other gigging opportunities. She advanced in the National Trumpet Competition in the Military Band Excerpts (semi-finalist, 2021) and Ensemble Divisions (2020-2022). Jeri looks forward to a career in music education and performance with goals of advocating for music education and for underserved learners.

Mackenzie Caress is from Nampa, Idaho and currently going to college at Idaho State University for her undergrad in Trumpet Performance and Music Education. Mackenzie is extremely lucky to be able to play in the Idaho State Civic Symphony and the ISU Wind Ensemble, along with various other small ensembles on campus. Some of her favorite hobbies include crosswords and watching movies! Mackenzie is excited to play with the TFO this summer and can’t wait to see what lies ahead!

Joanna Leston is a third-year Music and Trumpet Performance major at the University of Iowa, where she studies under Professor Michael Gause. Joanna is involved in a number of ensembles at school, from chamber groups to pit orchestras to symphony orchestras. This is Joanna’s first summer music festival. She is excited for the opportunity to play music with such a great group of people!

Katherine Shindledecker is a trumpet player from Lexington, South Carolina and now a performer and educator in the Bloomington-Normal, Illinois area. She received her Bachelor’s of Music Performance at Winthrop University and recently graduated from Illinois State University with a Master’s of Music Performance and a Master’s of Instrumental Conducting. Katherine is a prize winning soloist and chamber musician, this is her 3rd year with the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra. Katherine has played with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra (Jacksonville, IL), Carolinas Wind Orchestra, the Illinois State Faculty Brass Quintet, and founded the Kronos Brass Quintet. She also maintains her own studio of students and gives masterclasses and clinics in the area. When she is not in the practice room, Katherine takes a deep interest in advocating for underrepresented composers and being a new music enthusiast.