music performance Archives - Reynolds College Blog

Missouri State University’s Arktos Quartet advanced to the final round of competition at the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) conference March 12-15 in Columbus, Ohio.

Arktos members are seniors Conlan Boatman and Lorelei Brem, sophomore Ryan Hunt and junior Preston Thorpe. All four students are Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Music Education majors in the Department of Music.

By reaching the final rounds, the Arktos Quartet is now among the top student saxophone quartets in North America, said Assistant Professor of Music Matthew Tracy.

“Witnessing their musical and professional maturity has been a highlight of my year,” he said. “They are as exceptional in character as they are in talent.”

Arktos is the Greek word for bear, Tracy explained. The Ursa Major or “Great Bear” constellation is in the northern sky. The word arctic comes from Arktos.

The quartet will celebrate their accomplishments with a recital at 7:30 p.m. April 17 in Hamra Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Mark your calendar

Missouri State University alumna Kendal Blumenthal has been appointed to a full-time position with The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.”

Blumenthal graduated from Missouri State’s Department of Music in 2023 with degrees in music performance and jazz studies.

As a band member, Blumenthal will regularly provide musical support at national and international events, funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, and federal events such as arrival ceremonies at the White House and the Pentagon. She will also serve on an as-needed basis for duties within the Concert Band and Army Blues ensembles.

Along with her duties as a saxophonist in “Pershing’s Own,” Blumenthal must also meet the same physical and moral standards of the typical Army enlistment process. This includes a ten-week basic combat training program. When she completes basic training, Blumenthal will move to Washington, D.C. and begin her duties as a member of “Pershing’s Own.”

Arktos Saxophone Quartet reaches final round of NASA Collegiate Quartet Competition

Missouri State alumna Kendal Blumenthal appointed to “Pershing’s Own”