Brass Courses

In this course trombonists will develop a viable practice routine as it pertains to ensemble playing in all the relevant styles for that instrument. They will learn to better perform together in all relevant idioms and styles. They will learn to transition between idioms and styles with improved control and skill.

In this advanced ensemble trombonists will develop a viable practice routine as it pertains to ensemble playing in all the relevant styles for the instrument. They will learn to better perform together in all relevant idioms and styles. They will learn to transition between idioms and styles with improved control and skill.

This advanced jazz trombone ensemble is one of the premier ensembles in the Brass Department and features some of its strongest jazz trombonists. This ensemble consists of four to eight trombonists with a standard rhythm section. Students are encouraged to write original compositions for the group and perform in a variety of settings on and off campus. This ensemble will submit entries to competitions sponsored by the International Trombone Association and the American Trombone Workshop.

The goal of ILBR-111, ILBR-112, and ILBR-211 is to prepare the entering brass student for the college ensemble program. Emphasis on reading studies in a variety of styles. This course is for students with overall ensemble ratings one through three. 

The goal of ILBR-111, ILBR-112, and ILBR-211 is to prepare the entering brass student for the college ensemble program. Emphasis on reading studies in a variety of styles.

Brass pedagogy has been codified primarily in the European Classical genre of music. Various solo and étude books have been the go to resources for brass players wishing to create a solid pedagogical foundation for whatever music they decide to play. This course examines standard trumpet literature from various études, orchestral excerpts and solo repertoire that have become the foundation for pedagogical study in brass.

This course presents the basics of jazz improvisation on blues forms in easy keys. In addition to learning to improvise on these sets of changes, the student will also memorize a basic set of appropriate tunes. For students with overall ensemble ratings one and two. 

This course presents the basics of jazz improvisation on simple diatonic song forms in easy keys. In addition to learning to improvise on these sets of changes, the student will also memorize a basic set of appropriate tunes.

This course is all about staying in shape. Students often struggle with developing a daily practice routine and rehearsal regimen that will help not only keep their chops in shape, but also help them gain strength over time. By using various exercises and études, as well as discussing a wide variety of practice routines, this course puts students on the right path to pedagogical growth by giving them a solid foundation and creating consistency.

Latin music is a diverse and exciting genre encompassing a wide range of styles from Central to South America, from the passionate rhythms of salsa and merengue to the energetic phrases of Latin jazz and timba. Brass instruments play a vital role in many Latin music styles, adding their unique brilliance and power to the ensemble. This course will teach brass players how to play a variety of Latin music styles, including salsa, merengue, cha-cha-chá, Latin jazz, and timba. Students will learn the essential rhythms and techniques of each style, how to navigate session work, and the improvisational nuances of the style. This course will provide brass players with the skills and knowledge they need to play a variety of Latin music styles. Students will learn how to add their unique brilliance and power to Latin music ensembles and will have the opportunity to develop their improvisational skills.