Mission Statement
The International Trumpet Guild (ITG) exists to promote communications among trumpet players around the world and to improve the artistic level of performance, teaching and literature associated with the trumpet.

Vision Statement
ITG will be the global leader in trumpet education, performance, and community engagement—connecting and inspiring trumpet players of all levels across cultures and generations.

Core Values
● Excellence in performance, scholarship, and education
● Inclusivity and diversity across geography, backgrounds, and styles
● Community engagement and mentorship
● Innovation in trumpet performance and pedagogy
● Preservation and celebration of trumpet heritage

The International Trumpet Guild was created in 1975, when the first ITG Conference was held in Bloomington, Indiana; the following year the Guild met as part of the First International Brass Congress in Montreux, Switzerland. ITG Conferences have been held every year since then, with the Second International Brass Congress being held in 1984 at Indiana University. In 1982, the ITG Archive was established at Western Michigan University to chronicle the Guild's activities and to preserve historical trumpet-related research. The ITG Research Library serves as a lending library for trumpet-related research. 2026 the guild celebrated their 50th anniversary conference at the Eastman School of Music.

In 1988, plans were begun to form a larger European component of ITG. In fall, 1990 the Euro-ITG chapter was formed at the Trumpet Days in Bad Sackingen, Germany, with initial membership of 120 members. An International Membership Coordinator was appointed to further develop growth of ITG.

The University of Kentucky has an incredible trumpet legacy and will be the first institution to host the conference for the third time. Vince DiMartino, former president of ITG hosted in 1982. Terry Everson, trumpet professor at UK hosted in 1998 and Jason Dovel, the current ITG president and professor at UK, will serve as host for the 2027 conference. The University of Kentucky Trumpet Studio has been an affiliate chapter of ITG since 2019 and continues to contribute to the organization at the highest level.

• Arts Education/Youth Arts
• Performing Arts

The International Trumpet Guild requests $5,000 from LexArts to support Youth Day and community engagement initiatives at the 2027 International Trumpet Guild Conference, held May 18–22, 2027, at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.

The 51st International Trumpet Guild (ITG) Conference is the world's premier gathering for trumpet performers, educators, students, manufacturers, composers, and enthusiasts. Drawing more than 1,000 attendees from across the United States and around the world, the five-day conference transforms the University of Kentucky into an international center for performance, education, collaboration, and artistic exchange. Guided by the conference theme, "Heralding Excellence in Every Stride," the 2027 conference celebrates Lexington's rich equestrian heritage while showcasing the city's vibrant arts community on an international stage.

The focus of this grant is YOUTH DAY, a new initiative created specifically to engage Fayette County students and families through FREE access to world-class artistic experiences. Open to all Fayette County residents through a free application process with no eligibility requirements, Youth Day removes financial barriers while encouraging participation from students of all backgrounds and experience levels.

The day begins with a large-group warm-up led by Fayette County band director Jonathan Stites, a University of Kentucky graduate and member of the Lexington Philharmonic, demonstrating that Lexington's music educators are also accomplished professional artists. Students will then participate in interactive educational sessions emphasizing chamber music, teamwork, leadership, communication, and the lifelong value of making music with others.

A highlight of the day will feature the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra performing on the Singletary Concert Stage, for an international audience alongside two internationally recognized teenage trumpet soloists, offering students an unforgettable opportunity to witness their peers performing at the highest artistic level. Throughout the afternoon, participants may attend concerts, master classes, competitions, and a meet-and-greet with internationally recognized artists, giving young musicians opportunities to ask questions, build relationships, and discover new possibilities for their future.

Beyond Youth Day, the conference creates meaningful opportunities for the entire Lexington community. Affordable public concerts throughout the week will feature internationally recognized artists alongside Central Kentucky's outstanding musical organizations, including the University of Kentucky Wind Ensemble, Lexington Lab Band, Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra, and local artists whose careers have earned national and international recognition. A free outdoor concert at Gatton Park will welcome families, residents, and visitors to experience live music in a relaxed community setting alongside local food trucks, creating an inviting atmosphere for audiences who may never have attended a professional arts event.

The conference also celebrates Lexington's thriving creative economy. A large international exhibit hall will feature leading manufacturers of instruments, accessories, and music products from around the world, including Lexington-based Pickett Brass, one of the world's premier brass manufacturers. Partnerships with the University of Kentucky, Fayette County Public Schools, VisitLEX, the Singletary Center for the Arts, local music educators, area businesses, and community organizations ensure that the conference extends well beyond the university campus, generating educational, cultural, and economic benefits throughout the region. The strength of these partnerships is reflected in Lexington being selected by the ITG Board of Directors to host the conference for a third time, more often than any other city in the world, a distinction that recognizes the community's longstanding commitment to artistic excellence, hospitality, and music education.

Unlike previous two conferences held in Lexington in 1982 and 1998, the 2027 conference significantly expands its community engagement through the creation of Youth Day, free admission for Fayette County students, expanded partnerships with local schools and arts organizations, increased public programming, and enhanced outreach designed to connect more residents with world-class artistic experiences.

By bringing internationally recognized artists together with Lexington's own exceptional performers, educators, students, and arts organizations, the 2027 International Trumpet Guild Conference will inspire the next generation, strengthen community partnerships, and demonstrate that artistic excellence is not only welcomed in Lexington, it thrives here.

The 2027 International Trumpet Guild Conference, themed “Heralding Excellence in Every Stride,” will celebrate the pursuit of excellence, the power of mentorship, and the extraordinary journeys of musicians at every stage of development. Inspired by Lexington’s rich equestrian heritage and the tradition of the “Call to Post,” the conference celebrates the courage, discipline, and passion required to pursue one’s dreams in the arts. The five-day conference will provide a significant benefit to the Fayette County community by bringing an international arts experience to local students, educators, families, and residents. With more than 1,000 attendees expected from around the world, the conference will create meaningful economic impact for Lexington’s hotels, restaurants, businesses, and cultural organizations while showcasing the city as a vibrant destination for the arts.

Through Youth Day, ITG will provide free access for Fayette County music students to participate in a nationally recognized conference, connect with world-class artists, and experience the transformative power of music education and performance. By welcoming all Fayette County students who apply, ITG is removing barriers and ensuring that young musicians throughout the community have the opportunity to engage with exceptional artists and mentors.

The conference will strengthen the local educational and artistic community through partnerships with Fayette County Public Schools, local music educators, the University of Kentucky, and the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra. CKYO will perform in the Singletary Center and collaborate with two international young soloists who represent the next generation of extraordinary musicians. This experience will demonstrate to young artists that excellence is not limited by geography and that their own aspirations can reach a global stage.

Many highlighted concerts will be open to the public at a reasonable ticket price, expanding access beyond conference attendees. Performances will include Monarch Brass, an all-female world-renowned brass ensemble; Trio Cortado, featuring Lexington native Caleb Hudson; Lexington's own world class DiMartino Osland Jazz Orchestra ; the University of Kentucky Wind Ensemble, featuring UK alumnus and Kansas City Symphony principal trumpet Julian Kaplan; the Lexington Lab Band; and a baroque trumpet performance featuring Kathryn Adduci with baroque strings and soprano Jessica Beebe. These performances will provide Lexington audiences with opportunities to experience a wide range of musical traditions while celebrating both local and international artistry.

In addition, ITG will offer a free public concert at the Gatton Park Amphitheater, featuring a plethora of trumpet ensembles. With food trucks and an outdoor community atmosphere, this event will invite residents of all ages to experience the excitement of the conference in an accessible and welcoming environment.

By bringing together students, educators, families, local artists, businesses, and international performers, the 2027 International Trumpet Guild Conference will create lasting educational, cultural, and economic impact throughout Fayette County and beyond, "heralding excellence in every stride".

The International Trumpet Guild will promote the 2027 conference through a comprehensive communications strategy combining international outreach with targeted local engagement. Information will be distributed through the ITG website, email campaigns, social media, digital newsletters, and direct outreach to music educators, universities, and arts organizations.

Locally, ITG will partner with the University of Kentucky, the Singletary Center for the Arts, VisitLEX, Fayette County Public Schools, local TV and radio stations, and area music retailers to promote free Youth Day, the free Gatton Park concert, and affordable public concerts featuring internationally recognized artists. The Singletary Center will market and sell tickets, while local retailers will exhibit, sponsor events, and expand community awareness

Conference branding, "Heralding Excellence in Every Stride," will unify all print, digital, and community marketing efforts to broaden participation among local audiences.

The primary target audience for this program is middle and high school music students throughout Fayette County, along with the educators who guide their musical development. Fayette County is a diverse community with students representing a wide range of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Recognizing that financial circumstances and access to high-level arts opportunities can vary, ITG is intentionally removing barriers by offering Youth Day FREE of charge.
Youth Day is open to ALL Fayette County music students. Any student who applies is welcome to attend, regardless of experience level, financial circumstances, background, or ability. Students will have opportunities to attend concerts and workshops designed specifically for young musicians, and participate in interactive learning experiences. Youth Day will provide an inclusive, inspiring arts experience that connects student musicians throughout Fayette County with the broader musical community.

ITG is committed to equitable access and inclusion, creating opportunities for musicians of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, ages, genders, abilities, and backgrounds. Our programming intentionally highlights women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. This commitment is reflected in our diverse Board, staff, and volunteer leadership.

For the 2027 conference, one of ITG’s primary equity initiatives is Youth Day, providing FREE access to an exceptional arts experience for Fayette County students. Partnerships with the University of Kentucky, Fayette County School educators, and the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra, remove financial barriers and create meaningful opportunities for young musicians to engage with world-class artists and mentors. ITG has also expanded student access through the Road to 100 scholarship initiative, which in 2026 awarded 111 scholarships valued at more than $55,000, allowing students with financial need to participate in the conference.

The 2027 International Trumpet Guild Conference is built upon partnerships that strengthen education, celebrate artistic excellence, and generate lasting cultural and economic benefits for Lexington and Fayette County.

The University of Kentucky serves as conference host, showcasing its nationally recognized School of Music while partnering with Fayette County Public Schools, local music educators, and the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra to provide students with meaningful educational experiences and mentorship from internationally recognized artists. Youth Day will begin with a session led by Fayette County band director Jonathan Stites, a University of Kentucky graduate and member of the Lexington Philharmonic, demonstrating the remarkable caliber of Lexington's music educators.

The conference also highlights Central Kentucky's internationally recognized artistic community. Featured collaborations include the University of Kentucky Wind Ensemble, the Lexington Lab Band, the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra, Lexington native Caleb Hudson, and the Raleigh Dailey Trio, one of the nation's premier jazz rhythm sections. These partnerships showcase Lexington as a community where artistic excellence thrives.

Beyond performance and education, the conference supports Lexington's creative economy through an international exhibit hall featuring leading manufacturers of instruments and accessories. Among its cornerstone exhibitors is Pickett Brass, headquartered in Lexington and recognized worldwide as one of the industry's premier makers of brass instruments and equipment.

In partnership with VisitLEX, local hotels, restaurants, and businesses, the five-day conference will welcome more than 1,000 attendees from around the world, generating significant economic activity while introducing visitors to Lexington's rich cultural heritage. Affordable public concerts and a free outdoor performance at Gatton Park, with local food trucks, will further connect residents with this international celebration of music.

Together, these partnerships expand educational opportunities, strengthen the local economy, elevate Lexington's international cultural profile, and create lasting relationships among schools, businesses, artists, and the global music community.

The goals of the 2027 ITG Conference are to celebrate artistic excellence, expand horizons, and create meaningful connections among musicians, educators, students, and the broader community.
The conference seeks to introduce young musicians to new possibilities within music and the arts by bringing together internationally renowned performers, educators, and students. Through these experiences, participants will discover what is possible, transform dreams into tangible aspirations, and gain the confidence to pursue their own artistic journeys.
By exposing students to artists representing diverse and multigeneratioanal cultures, ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds, ITG will demonstrate that excellence has no single identity or path. Students will build relationships with peers, mentors, and professionals while experiencing a welcoming environment where all individuals are respected, supported, valued, and encouraged to share their unique voices.

ITG will evaluate the success of the 2027 International Trumpet Guild Conference through quantitative data, qualitative feedback, and long-term community assessment. Attendance and participation will be tracked for Youth Day events, public concerts, and conference events to measure community engagement, accessibility, and overall reach.

ITG will maintain demographic data on participating artists, including representation across gender, ethnicity, nationality, age, and background, to evaluate the diversity of voices and perspectives represented throughout the conference and ensure programming reflects a broad range of artistic experiences.

Participant surveys will be distributed to students, educators, attendees, artists, volunteers, and community partners to evaluate the quality of programming, educational value, artistic excellence, and overall conference experience. Feedback will also measure whether participants felt welcomed, inspired, and encouraged to build meaningful relationships within the musical community.

Because one of the conference's primary goals is to foster a lifelong appreciation for the arts, ITG will conduct a follow-up survey with Fayette County music educators to determine whether students returned with greater knowledge, renewed enthusiasm, and a deeper appreciation for the value of music and the arts in everyday life. While some may pursue careers in music, the broader goal is to inspire participants to become lifelong supporters, participants, and advocates for the arts.

Evaluation results will be reviewed by conference leadership and the Board of Directors to identify successes, strengthen community partnerships, expand public engagement, and enhance future conferences. This ongoing assessment process will help ensure that each conference builds upon the last, creating deeper educational, cultural, and economic impact for Lexington and future host communities.

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