Brass

Core Experiences for Brass Primary Students

  • Large Ensembles

    Brass students play in the Festival Concert Band and/or Festival Symphony Orchestra. Repertoire ranges from symphonic works, wind ensemble arrangements, and new compositions. Watch the 2024 Festival Band or the 2024 Festival Orchestra.

  • Private Lessons

    Two half-hour lessons per week with a collegiate or conservatory-level faculty member.

  • Chamber Music

    You’ll be coached by a faculty member, playing in a small ensemble with other students who match your musical level. Chamber music rehearsals occur every-other day.

  • Studio Classes

    Join other trumpet, horn, or low brass students in a weekly studio class led by faculty. You’ll learn through masterclass seminars, and develop practice and performance techniques.

  • Recital Performances

    Play a solo and perform with your chamber ensemble at the end of LSM in a culminating recital.

Meet the Brass Faculty

Optional Brass Experiences

  • Jazz Ensemble

    This audition-based ensemble accepts up to four trumpet, and four trombone players (or occasionally other low brass instruments). Watch the 2024 Jazz Ensemble.

  • Concerto Audition

    One student each summer is selected to perform a concerto solo with the Festival Orchestra. Learn more here.

  • Worship Music

    Play in an ensemble or as a soloist to help lead liturgies, hymnody, or other music in worship services.

  • Fanfares

    LSM hosts a tradition of opening every concert and recital with a fanfare. These fanfares are offered on all types of instruments, but brass students are regularly invited to take part!

  • Porch Brass

    On the final Sunday of LSM, brass faculty, fellows, and select students share a short outdoor concert to kick off our final morning together, and give a festive welcome to the culminating worship service.

Brass FAQ

Can brass students play in both band and orchestra?

It’s possible, but not guaranteed. Placement depends on onsite auditions, the number of instrumental parts for the repertoire chosen, and how full a student’s schedule is.

Can I borrow an instrument?

Yes. Our host university has (limited) instruments available to borrow as needed, and this can be arranged with LSM Admissions. (It is especially common for tuba players to borrow instruments, rather than travel with a tuba!)

Can I study or play other instruments in addition my brass instrument?

Yes. In addition to your primary instrument, you can play or study other instruments through private lessons (one secondary lesson per week), or other large ensembles or electives (singing in choir; playing a different instrument in orchestra). This is common – many LSM students participate in multiple ensembles.