Chasse Duplantis has been playing music since middle school, and it recently paid off.
Duplantis, a master’s student in musical performance, took first in the nation in the brass instruments category with his euphonium performance in the Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Competition held in Milwaukee from March 26 to 30.
“The preparation and perseverance to want to do well helped,” Duplantis said.
Duplantis said his goal his second time in the competition was to be “all around more musical.”
“My main goal for the competition was just to enjoy music,” he said.
Duplantis said he participated for the fun of the competition and to allow the audience to enjoy his music.
The state competition was held from Oct. 15 to 16, and the regional competition was held from Jan. 15 to 16.
For each level, Duplantis said he played the same 40-minute recital of music from two different eras.
The state and regional levels had one judge, and the national level had three judges, were members of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
With the first-place in brass win, Duplantis received a $3,000 award. He said he plans to use the money to buy plane tickets to Linz, Austria to attend the International Tuba Euphonium Conference with his fiancee.
Joseph Skillen, Duplantis’ mentor and professor of music and chair of brass and percussion, has worked with Duplantis for five years as he has worked toward his undergraduate and master’s degree.
Skillen said he was proud one of his students won first place. He has been sending students to the competition for years, but Duplantis was his first student to win first at the national level.
“It’s quite an accomplishment,” Skillen said. “It’s showing what the student’s doing and recognizing the teacher as well.”
Skillen also received a small monetary award as the winner’s professor.
Duplantis said he first played the trumpet in fifth grade, learned the French horn and baritone in high school, took trombone lessons at Southeastern Louisiana University, where he earned his undergraduate degree, and is now taking tuba lessons at the University.
Duplantis said he has been performing music for 12 years.
He said he practices for an average of three and a half hours per day, during which he works through music books and learns new pieces.
Duplantis meets with Skillen for an hour a week, and Skillen helps guide him and gives him constructive criticism.
“He’s a great model for how to be successful,” Duplantis said.
Duplantis said he also plays in The Pabsts Tuba Quartet at the University.
Laurence Kaptain, dean of the College of Music and Dramatic Arts, said Duplantis’ win is a great honor for the college.
“He plays an unusual instrument to win this competition,” Kaptain said. “We’re all very proud.”
 
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Contact Meredith Will at [email protected]