Gardner‑Webb University Celebrates 20 Years of Musical Leadership from Tim Hudson

Alumni Join Masterclasses, Recitals, and Concert for the Public to Honor the Associate Professor who Helps Students Become More on Stage and Beyond

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb Associate Professor Tim Hudson has played with major orchestras, brass ensembles and renowned music artists on stages all over the world. Through his mentorship and instruction, GWU students have developed their talents to become outstanding composers, teachers and performers. They have played on Broadway, at the Met, and with top-tier orchestras, like the Houston Symphony.

In celebration of his 20th year at Gardner-Webb University, 10 of his former students, all GWU alumni, are returning to the University for Tim Hudson Day on Thursday, Jan. 15. Musicians are invited to attend the day of masterclasses, rehearsals, and recitals. The program begins at 9 a.m. with light refreshments and fellowship. Then, at 7 p.m., the public is invited to a recital in Dover Chapel.

Hudson is a Yamaha Performing Artist, Summit Recording Artist, founding member of Carolina Brass and in 2015, joined The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass. He remains deeply devoted to guiding Gardner‑Webb students, even as he sustains an active and demanding performance career. “Prof. Hudson’s dedication to his students over the past two decades has shaped not only skilled musicians but thoughtful artists who carry his lessons with them in all they do,” praised Dr. Aaron Rice, associate professor and chair of the Gardner-Webb Department of Music. “We’re grateful for his commitment to excellence and for the lasting impact he continues to make in our musical community.”

Hudson has played with the Charleston Symphony since 2017. In the past, he performed with professional orchestras in the U.S. and abroad under world class conductors, including Lorin Maazel, Yoel Levi, Leonard Slatkin, Grant Llewellyn, and others. He has held the principal trumpet position with the Knoxville Symphony (Tenn.), Chamber Orchestra of Northern New York, New England Philharmonic, Symphony Orchestra of the State of Mexico, Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle, and the N.C. Opera and Ballet Orchestras. Hudson is a graduate of Indiana University, New England Conservatory of Music, and UNC-Greensboro.

Over the past 30 years, Hudson has appeared with pop/jazz artists such as Ray Charles, The Temptations, Manhattan Transfer, Neil Sedaka, Tony Bennett, Andrea Bocelli, Branford Marsalis, Mannheim Steamroller, Kenny Rogers, Mike Cross, Bobby Vinton, The Moody Blues, Chuck Mangione, Marvin Hamlisch, Josh Groban, Idina Menzel, Doc Severinsen and Dizzy Gillespie.

GWU Alumni Trumpeters and Ensemble Members

Joining Hudson for his special day are GWU alumni, including members of the GWU Alumni Trumpet Ensemble, a group that were in the finals of The National Trumpet Competition for many years. They are:

• Dr. Robbie Collins, who has a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from the University of Kentucky and teaches trumpet, brass chamber music, and music theory at North Greenville University. Collins frequently serves as guest principal trumpet with the South Carolina Philharmonic and has appeared with ensembles, including the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, North Carolina Baroque Orchestra, Lexington Philharmonic, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Mantrazos Philharmonic (Greece), and the Cincinnati Symphony and Opera herald trumpet ensembles.
• Garrett Chitwood, an educator with Cleveland County schools, currently teaching at Burns Middle School. He is a freelance professional trumpet player. 
• Brandon Taylor, director of bands at East Gaston High School in Mount Holly, N.C., currently in his 10th year of teaching. East Gaston ensembles have consistently earned high ratings and have maintained superior ratings for over five consecutive years at South Central District Bandmasters Association (SCDBA) Music Performance Adjudication. Under Taylor’s leadership, the marching band has earned multiple Grand Champion titles and First Place Caption Awards at North Carolina Bandmasters Association Marching Band Competitions. He was named East Gaston High School Teacher of the Year for 2023–2024 and was also recognized as the school’s STAR Teacher during that same year.
• Christina Hagle, a recording artist for Resurrection Records.  
• Dr. Michael Brotherton, who has a DMA from Northern Colorado University and is based in Colorado. He is teaching at Furman University for the 2026 Spring Semester. Brotherton previously won the solo division, graduate school level, of the National Trumpet Competition, and is principal trumpet of the Longmont Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with Colorado Bach Ensemble, Opera Colorado, Boulder Symphony, Boulder Philharmonic, Boulder Opera, Fort Collins Symphony and others.
• Anthony Lacivita, a freelance trumpet performer and educator based in Savannah, Ga. He earned his Master of Music degree in trumpet performance from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. 
• Jon McClay has a Master of Music from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and is a professional player.
• Adam Moxley-White, who has a Master of Music, teaches applied brass, and electronic music at Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, N.C. In 2023, Moxley-White co-founded the Jasmine Duo, that features him on vocals and trumpet with Jake Beamer on the piano. They perform regularly around Wilmington at venues such as: The Blind Elephant, Luna Caffè, Coco Pipa and Ports of Call Bistro.
• Kevin Clary, director of bands at Kings Mountain Middle School, and a highly sought-after published composer and arranger, as well as trumpeter with the Black Coffee Quartet. His concert band works are published through Alfred Music and 8th Note Publications, and he has been commissioned to write new concert band music for ensembles ranging from fifth-grade beginners to collegiate wind ensembles.
• Ben Dawkins has spent the last nine years in the active-duty Army Bands. Promoted to the rank staff sergeant, he is stationed at Fort Jackson with the 282D Army Band, where he serves as squad leader, training Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, and bugler for the 282D Band.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.