Music department alumnus to compete in national brass competition

Jordan Redd’s college career has followed a path full of unexpected turns reminiscent to those of his instrument.

Southeast horn instructor Nicholas Kenney has helped the 2016 graduate navigate those turns by instilling the philosophy of “over-prepare for everything,” which has become the basis of Redd’s success.

This year is Redd’s fourth year competing at the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Young Artist Brass Competition, but his first time making it to the national round. Redd has consistently improved his placing in the competition each year, and those close to him believe this time he will bring home the gold.

Jordan Redd and mentor Nicholas Kenney at the Colosseum. Submitted photo

Redd’s journey to the national finals began in the town of Hope Mills, North Carolina where he played in his high school band. He nearly gave up on playing music before discovering a love for the French horn. Forgoing an opportunity to play college baseball, he decided to study music education at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP).

Redd struggled with school during his first year at UNCP, but met a friend and mentor in Kenney in his second year, changing the course of his career.

Kenney told his student, who had experienced a difficult upbringing, that if he focused solely on his instrument, life would be his for the taking.

Southeast alum Jordan Redd performing.Submitted photo

At the end of Redd’s sophomore year Kenney was offered a job at Southeast. Redd decided to transfer to Southeast, where he switched his major to French horn performance, to continue studying under Kenney.

“I pretty much took a leap of faith and moved out to Missouri with like $200 to my name,” said Redd. “He took me in, and helped me get a job. Helped me figure life out.”

Redd was unable to afford on-campus housing so Kenney allowed him into his home.

As Kenney’s apprentice, Redd became immersed in his craft. Even while practicing at home, his mentor would listen in and offer advice.

“It’s like taking a Spanish class versus going to Spain. He was in Spain the whole time,” said Kenney. “He’s way ahead of where I was at his age, because he was immersed in it when he came out to Southeast.”

Southeast was full of performance opportunities for Redd, where he participated in marching band, wind symphony, horn choir, and a horn quartet. He began competing in the MTNA Young Artist Brass Competition at the urging of Kenney.

He failed to place in the Missouri state level in his first year, but placed second in his second year.

Redd graduated from Southeast in May of 2016 and began looking for graduate schools. He had many options but chose University of Nebraska at Lincoln (UNL) so he could take the opportunity to study under Alan Mattingly who had been Kenney’s mentor.

Redd is now pursuing his master of horn performance degree at UNL, where he works as a graduate teacher assistant, and continues to compete in the MTNA Young Artist Brass Competition.

During his first year at UNL he won the Nebraska state round of the competition, but couldn’t attend the regional competition. This year he won the state round again, and the regional, propelling him to the national round of the competition.

Kenney said he, Redd and Mattingly have been preparing for Redd to become a national finalist since last summer while Kenney and Redd were performing together in Italy.

“He trains as a musician like an athlete,” said Kenney. “I honestly believe he’s going to win.”

Redd said that winning this competition would be “like winning the national championship.”

Redd will be competing in the national round of the MTNA Young Artist Brass Competition on March 18 at Lake Buena Vista, Florida.