Melody Vander Stoep
Melody Vander Stoep is currently a sophomore at the Lamont School of Music. She started playing trumpet at the age of nine. The trumpet happened to be the last instrument in the house, and she was able to complete the family brass quintet. Over time she grew to love it and can’t imagine life without music. Melody started taking lessons from her father, but in high school realized she needed better instruction. She began taking lessons with Al Hood during her senior year in high school. With his wonderful help she was able to be the principal trumpet of the All State Orchestra in 2006. She also participated in All State Choir and Band in 2005 and 2006. She is currently playing in the Lamont Wind Ensemble, Lamont Jazz Ensemble, and Denver Young Artist Orchestra. In the summer of 2007, she had the amazing experience of touring to Argentina and Uruguay to play with the youth orchestra. Besides playing the trumpet, Melody enjoys many outside activities, dancing, and spending a lot of time with her family. Melody is looking forward to the next three years at DU and all the great learning experiences she is bound to encounter. She aspires to become an accomplished trumpet player and hopefully play in a symphony orchestra.