APPLETON, WIS. — Lawrence University musician Bethany Wiese earned second-place honors Monday, Aug. 13 in the finals of the Tuba Artist Division of the 22nd annual Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Festival held at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake, Mich.
A senior from Davenport, Iowa, and a student in the tuba studio of Marty Erickson, Wiese was one of 150 musicians from around the world participating in the competition. She was selected from among 10 semifinalists for the finals, where she performed French composer Eugene Bozza’s “Sonatina for Tuba and Wind Ensemble.” Wiese received $900 for her silver medal performance.
Earlier this year, Wiese won Lawrence’s wind ensemble concerto competition and performed as featured soloist at the ensemble’s May concert. In June, 2006, Wiese was selected by national audition to perform with the American Wind Symphony Orchestra during a month-long summer concert tour. She was the only tuba player in the 40-member AWSO during last year’s performances.
Founded in 1986, the festival honors the legacy of long-time Michigan State University music teacher and band director Leonard Falcone (1899-1985). The festival is considered one of the premiere international euphonium and tuba competitions in the country and is the only annual festival of its kind.
