University of Arkansas Alumnus Earns Euphonium Spot in Air Force Ceremonial Brass

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Matt Shipes

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Matt Shipes, who earned a master’s degree in music performance from the University of Arkansas in 2010, has been named the newest euphonium player in the United States Air Force Ceremonial Brass ensemble after a vigorous audition process.

Nearly 100 musicians applied for the opening, 30 of whom were invited to audition in front of a panel of judges on May 1 at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. The performers were tested on their memorization skills, sight reading abilities and marching aptitude.

“Matt was a model student and a wonderful graduate assistant,” said Ronda Mains, chair of the department of music in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. “There are always many, many auditionees for this single position. His selection is a great honor and is testament to his talent and hard work.”

For Shipes, earning a seat in the Ceremonial Brass is a step toward fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a career musician.

“My reaction was excitement, relief and an immense sense of accomplishment,” Shipes said of his selection. “I am definitely pursuing a career with the band, which would last anywhere from four to 30 years.”

Shipes began his musical journey in third grade as a pianist. He switched to trumpet in the fifth grade when he joined his school’s band. In eighth grade, thanks to his orthodontist, he started playing euphonium.

“In eighth grade I got braces and my band director suggested I switch to the euphonium so it wouldn’t hurt my lips so much,” he said. “I enjoyed playing it so much that I stuck with it.”

In the summer before his senior year in high school, Shipes joined the Greater Dallas Youth Wind Ensemble — a decision that transformed music from being his hobby to his life aspiration. He spent the summer surrounded by dedicated musicians who inspired him to study music in college and consider a career in the field.

Shipes earned a bachelor of music education degree from Baylor University in 2008 and a master of music in performance from the University of Arkansas in 2010. He has since been working toward a doctorate of musical arts at the University of Georgia.

Shipes has made a concerted effort to be a member of each school’s and town’s musical community.

“Something I have always felt strongly about, no matter how little free time I have, is being active in as many musical ensembles as possible,” he said. “Throughout my college career, I have been involved with bands at each university where I have played tuba, euphonium and trombone. Part of being a musician is auditioning for anything and everything, and I’ve definitely done that.”

His persistence has finally paid off. Shipes left for United States Air Force basic military training on June 26, beginning his career in music.