no
The UIUC School of Music undergraduate brass quintet Fortissimo 5 has made the semi-finals for the 2026 Ryan Anthony Memorial Chamber Music Competition through the International Trumpet Guild.
Fortissimo 5 is a dynamic brass quintet based at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, bringing together five undergraduate musicians united by a shared commitment to excellence in performance, education, and community engagement. The ensemble features Nathanael Boston, trumpet (Junior, Trumpet Performance); Steven Clawson, trumpet (Sophomore, Music Education); Owen Robinson, horn (Senior, Horn Performance); Audrey Ringle, trombone (Sophomore, Music Education and Trombone Performance); and Bobby Borgstede, tuba (Junior, Tuba Performance).
Fortissimo 5 has quickly established itself as a versatile and compelling ensemble. In December, the group opened for Gaudete Brass’s Up on 10 concert in Chicago, gaining valuable exposure on a professional concert stage. Most recently, Fortissimo 5 was accepted into the Chamber Music Division of the International Trumpet Guild Ryan Anthony Memorial Trumpet Competition, a significant honor that recognizes the ensemble’s musical excellence and potential.
Beyond the concert hall, Fortissimo 5 is deeply engaged in the Urbana and Champaign community, performing at local events and providing private music instruction to students around the area. All the members have performed in the top ensembles within the University of Illinois School of Music, reflecting their high level of artistry and dedication. Through performance, education, and outreach, Fortissimo 5 strives to inspire audiences and foster a lasting appreciation for brass chamber music.
Fortissimo 5 is coached by Prof. Amy Gilreath, trumpetist and artist in residence.The competition will take place in May 2026 at the International Trumpet Guild Conference held at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. The International Trumpet Guild is a world-wide organization of trumpeters, formed to promote communication among trumpet players around the world and to improve the artistic level of performance, teaching, and literature associated with the trumpet. The organization’s approximately 5,000 members represent 64 countries and include professional and amateur performers, teachers, students, manufacturers, publishers, and others interested in belonging to an organization dedicated to the trumpet profession.
Members:
Nathanael Boston, trumpet
Steven Clawson, trumpet
Owen Robinson, horn
Audrey Ringle, trombone
Bobby Borgstede, tuba
Coach:
Amy Gilreath, Artist in Residence, trumpet