Student Profile: Quincy Erickson, Concerto Competition winner

For Concerts@Bienen's new student spotlight series, we interviewed Quincy Erickson, a 2022 winner of Northwestern's Concerto Competition. He will be playing with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble on Friday, January 27 at 7:30pm in Pick-Staiger Concert Hall.

Profile by Mavis Wang

What is your musical background? What got you interested in playing the trumpet?

Growing up with a dad who was a professional pianist, I started piano at age 5. At age 11 I began the trumpet and after spending a summer at Interlochen in 2017, I decided to pursue music, and more specifically, the trumpet.

How has your time and experience in Bienen helped you prepare for this competition?

Studying with David Bilger, Tom Rolfs, and Michael Sachs during my time at Northwestern has been transformative for my trumpet playing. I also have to credit the ensembles I performed with here—SWE, NUSO, the Northwestern brass ensemble, and numerous chamber groups—for teaching me what it’s like to make great music with great musicians.

Were there any challenges you encountered in preparation for this competition?

Preparing a concerto is a daunting task, especially when it is being performed alongside a group like SWE rather than a pianist. Playing with a full wind ensemble presents the rather unique challenge of coordinating my own solo with more than 50 other musicians. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience preparing for this concert and I’m excited to perform as a soloist with an amazing group that I’ve been a part of for 4+ years.

What are your plans post-grad in terms of your music career?

I’ll be staying in Chicago after graduation continuing my study with David Bilger, expanding my freelance work, and taking auditions.