Saxophonist Cameron Vinson and Trumpet/Cornet Michael Valois Win UMN Bands Concerto Competition

Congratulations to masters student Cameron Vinson, saxophone (student of Preston Duncan), and undergraduate student Michael Valois, trumpet/cornet (student of Marissa Benedict) for winning the 2021-22 UMN Bands Concerto Competition. Vinson will perform the North American premiere of Concerto Comenia for Alto Saxophone and Symphonic Wind Band by Maarten De Splenter with the University Wind Ensemble on Wednesday, April 6, 2022. Valois will perform Fantaisie Brilliante for Cornet and Symphonic Wind Band by Jean-Baptiste Arban/arr. Hunsberger with the Symphonic Band on Monday, April 18, 2022.

The School of Music and UMN Bands extends a special thanks to all musicians who participated in this year’s competition.

Cameron Vinson, saxophone
Cameron Vinson is currently in the second year of his masters degree in saxophone performance at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, studying with Preston Duncan. He earned his bachelor of music education degree at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where he studied saxophone with Matthew Sintchak and Nick Zoulek. Upon completing his studies at UMN, Cameron hopes to continue his graduate studies abroad in France before beginning a doctoral saxophone degree program.

Michael Valois, trumpet/cornet
Michael Valois is a sophomore trumpet performance major studying with professor Marissa Benedict. He is also pursuing a second major in computer science. 

Michael has performed with the RAHS Symphonic Band, St. Olaf Honor Band, GTCYS, RAHS Jazz Ensemble 1, All-Conference Band, MMEA All-State Band, MMEA All-State Orchestra, and is currently in the University Wind Ensemble. He has been the winner of the 2019-20 RAHS Concerto Competition and the 2019-20 MacPhail Concerto & Aria Competition.

Michael was born, and still currently resides, in Roseville, Minnesota. When he’s not playing music, he enjoys reading, hiking, and painting.