Davy DeArmond, a sophomore in music performance, has earned top positions

in local and national competitions and continues to find reward in his

“never-ending process” of musical maturation.

DeArmond won first place as a soloist in the college division of the

Tennessee Trumpet Competition in Cookeville and first place in the same

competition in the trumpet duet category with fellow UT trumpet student

Delbert Bowers.

With these accomplishments, DeArmond qualified to compete in the semifinals

at the National Trumpet Competition in Fairfax, Va. where he became a

finalist, placing in the top five of 48 semifinalists.

DeArmond won fourth prize in the UT School of Music’s annual Concerto

Competition, which allowed him to join four other music students in

performing with the UT Civic Orchestra.

“He’s extremely motivated, very talented and has a wonderful attitude,”

said Cathy Leach, DeArmond’s trumpet teacher at UT. “He practices the

trumpet all day long.”

DeArmond began playing the trumpet 11 years ago, inspired by his father,

David, who has played lead trumpet in bands for a number of years. Davy

DeArmond has been in band in Lenoir City since fifth grade, and now he

plays an active role in the music groups of the University of

Tennessee.

For two years, DeArmond has marched in the Pride of the Southland Marching

Band and has raised the enthusiasm of football fans through his involvement

in the Orange Pep Band.

He also is involved with the UT Wind Ensemble, the UT Trumpet Ensemble, the

UT Jazz Band and UT’s music fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

DeArmond’s love for music performance extends to the community, where he

performs at weddings, church services and holiday celebrations.

He said he plans to attend graduate school and teach privately or at the

university level after graduation.

“I intend to play and perform for the rest of my life,” DeArmond said.

“Trying to achieve what I want to do as a musician is impossible. It is

truly a never-ending process, but as you grow musically, you grow as a

person. And the growth that you get is so rewarding.”

DeArmond said he plans to perform in many more competitions to get more

opportunity to play in front of his peers and further develop his musical

abilities.