DENTON (UNT), Texas -- University of North Texas College of Music jazz studies and music education student Brendon Wilkins has been selected to perform in the 2016 Disney All-American College Band on saxophone and piccolo. The 21-piece ensemble performs at the Disneyland Resort in California for 11 weeks each summer.
"It is an incredible honor to be selected for a position in the band," Wilkins said. "The best college musicians from across the country compete for a spot, so I'm very proud to be chosen with such fierce competition."
As part of the program, Wilkins will earn school credit by completing a major educational project and will train with industry professionals such as Wayne Bergeron, Gregg Field and Rick Baptist.
"I will spend the summer learning and performing with 21 of the finest college musicians in the United States," Wilkins said. "I will also join a community of musicians who have been a part of the Disney College Band dating back to its inception in 1971."
Wilkins says the audition was a grueling process that involved a video audition and a callback audition that tested his instrumental ability, aural and sight-reading skills, and his knowledge of jazz.
"It was one of the most challenging auditions I have had in my musical career so far," Wilkins said.
He says his education at UNT is what gave him the confidence to try out. He feels his studies have provided him with the tools needed to stand out in auditions.
"UNT has helped me diversify my education in a way that I could not at any other institution," Wilkins said. "I was able to study jazz saxophone, classical saxophone, classical flute, jazz flute, piccolo and classical clarinet with various teachers during my time here. I believe this versatility allowed me to be a strong candidate for the band this year."
For Brad Leali, associate professor of jazz saxophone, learning that Wilkins was selected by Disney was no surprise.
"Brendon is a perfect example of what is possible when one has integrity, vision and a consistent work ethic," Leali said. "His future is bright and opportunities such as this will only enhance that brightness."
About the UNT College of Music
The College of Music is one of the largest and most respected comprehensive music schools in the world. Approximately 1,500 music students attend the college each year, participating in nearly 70 widely varied ensembles while engaged in specialized studies in performance, composition, conducting, jazz studies, music education, music history, music theory or ethnomusicology. Music students, alumni and faculty have made appearances on the world's finest stages, have produced numerous recordings with many receiving Grammy awards and nominations, and have written influential texts in a variety of areas in music scholarship. Distinguished University alumni can be found around the globe in top music ensembles, opera companies, universities, and schools.