SOUTH BEND, INDIANA (August 11, 2010) – The Axiom Brass Quintet has won the inaugural Fischoff Educator Award.  This national award recognizes the educational outreach work of Fischoff Competition alumni who have demonstrated outstanding and imaginative programming for children and youth in the United States.

The unique Fischoff Educator Award is a complementary benchmark to the Fischoff Competition, which provides a forum for America’s finest emerging chamber ensembles.  The Educator Award honors past Fischoff Competition musicians who have established professional careers in chamber music, and have proven their ability to successfully build a career in both music performance and outreach education.  The Fischoff Educator Award expands upon Fischoff’s long-standing commitment to music education, and to the development and recognition of emerging chamber musicians.  As winners of the inaugural Fischoff Educator Award, Axiom Brass will receive a cash award and a residency week as part of Fischoff’s award-winning Arts-in-Education Residency.  The residency will take place during Fall, 2011.

In addition to a Bronze Medal win at the 2010 Fischoff Competition, Axiom Brass won the 2008 International Chamber Brass Competition held at the University of Louisville, KY.  Axiom’s blend of virtuosic performances and dynamic teaching has been an inspiration to students of all ages, and their educational programs have guided students to success in high school and college programs across the country.  They are actively involved with musical programs around the country, conducting masterclasses, seminars, lectures, concerts, and teaching at universities and public schools.  Axiom Brass was recently appointed Brass Quintet-in-Residence at the Music Institute of Chicago.  Ensemble members include Dorival Puccini, Jr. (trumpet), Colin Oldberg (trumpet), Matthew Oliphant (horn), Brett Johnson (trombone) and Kevin Harrison (tuba).

About Fischoff

Founded in 1973 in South Bend, Indiana, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition has grown to become the largest chamber music competition in the world, and one of the most prestigious classical music prizes attainable today. Since its founding, more than 6,000 musicians have participated, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in music performance and education.  Committed to music education, the Fischoff also partners with competition alumni to bring free, innovative Arts-in-Education programs directly to children in their own schools and community centers. Since 1995, nearly 50,000 children, youth and adults have received free educational programming of the highest order.