Instrumental Labs

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.

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 focuses on developing the necessary skills to work as a freelance brass player in today's music world. A brass player can get called to play an Easter gig on a Sunday morning, a salsa gig that same afternoon, and a big band gig the same evening. It is important to know how to approach each genre and musical setting in a professional and informed manner. In this course students will learn how to correctly read and play articulations, play in tune, and listen to their fellow section mates as well as section leaders. The courses covers a variety fo genres, including jazz, big band, classical, pop, funk, and Broadway musicals. Students will be given music a week in advance and expected to prepare the music before each class. Class time will be spent analyzing recordings and finetuning the prepared pieces.