Music professor crosses globe judging and playing at international events

Once every six years, euphonium musicians from around the world compete for top honors in July at the Lieksan Vaskiviikon International Euphonium Competition in Finland. This year, one of the judges was Dr. Adam Frey, assistant professor of music at the University of North Georgia (UNG).

"It is the largest and most competitive contest for euphonium players," Frey said, explaining the musicians are judged in three rounds of performances.

As a premier euphonium performer and teacher, Frey was invited to represent the United States. Aside from commissioning or arranging more than 120 pieces, Frey has played solo parts with orchestras and bands throughout the world.

In addition to judging the Finland competition, he judged international competitions in Colombia in May and South Korea in August. He also helped organize and host the International Euphonium Tuba Festival in June in Atlanta. At each event, Frey usually plays his euphonium with a band or orchestra, as well as connecting with students and other professionals.

"One of the great things about music is to share and interact with people," he said. "Music is universal, and getting to work with students who are the best young talents in the world is inspiring."