Jazz or classical: you choose. Either way, the Brass Workshop is for you. With instructors from Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee, you will study with diverse, world-class faculty comprising some of the East Coast's most renowned musicians. You'll have the perfect opportunity to improve all aspects of your musical ability, taking your skills to new levels by exploring the world of brass performance.
Wycliffe Gordon is an American jazz trombonist, arranger, composer, bandleader, and music educator. He is best known for his work with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Wynton Marsalis. Gordon has played with many jazz luminaries, including Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Henderson, Branford Marsalis, Lionel Hampton, Tommy Flanagan, and Shirley Horn.
Tom Hooten is principal trumpet of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. Hooten has previously played in “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, the Indianapolis Symphony as assistant principal trumpet, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra as principal trumpet. He released Trumpet Call, his first solo album, in 2011. In 2019, he recorded John Williams’s Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra, which was conducted by the composer.
For all classes and ensembles, you will be placed with participants of similar abilities and interests. As part of the registration, you can choose between two tracks to participate in.
Classical
Gain expert knowledge on improving your tone, technical ability, sight-reading, and overall musicianship. Strengthen your performance skills and rehearsal techniques in a classical brass ensemble setting. Students will play alongside faculty, many of whom perform with the Boston Pops and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, in large and small ensembles focused on various classical time periods. Ensembles in this track are generally between five and 12 players, with an even distribution of brass instruments.
In addition to ensemble classes, French horn players will have daily master classes with Eli Epstein, a veteran horn player with the Cleveland Orchestra, author of Horn Playing from the Inside Out, and horn professor at Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
Contemporary
Take your reading, ensemble playing, and improvisational skills to the next level. Students can participate in several jam sessions throughout the week and will perform in one of three ensembles. Ensembles in this track are generally between eight and 12 brass players, and include a rhythm section. Choose one of the following ensembles based on the style that suits you:
Jazz: Get familiar with jazz harmony, melody, and rhythm while exploring the roots and branches of America’s unique musical artform. Students will perform music from bebop to swing and modern jazz.
Funk: Study music that combines elements of R&B and soul music. “Funkify” your soul with music from the likes of the Meters, John Scofield, the Yellow Jackets, Snarky Puppy, and more.
New Orleans: Explore the roots of jazz through group interaction and solo improvisation in this ensemble that focuses on second line and Dixieland traditions. Music from Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Sidney Bechet, and others will have you groovin’ to the Second Line parade.
Below is a sample of a typical day in the program.
Time
Event
8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
Breakfast
9:15 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Studio Classes by Instrument (Low Brass, Trumpet, and French Horn)
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Ensembles
12:15 p.m.–1:15 p.m.
Lunch
1:30 p.m.–2:45 p.m.
Ensembles
3:00 p.m.–3:45 p.m.
Classical or Contemporary Elective
4:00 p.m.–4:45 p.m.
Classical or Contemporary Elective
5:00 p.m.–6:45 p.m.
Dinner and Practice Time
7:00 p.m.–10:15 p.m.
Faculty Recitals, Electives, and Jam Sessions
Schedule subject to change
What are the performance opportunities?
Students will participate in one of the following ensembles during the week:
Large Classical Brass Ensemble
Small Classical Brass Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble
Funk Ensemble
New Orleans Ensemble
In addition, students can participate in several open jam sessions throughout the week.
The program will culminate in a final concert on Friday. Students will perform the repertoire they have been rehearsing in their ensembles. All performances are free and open to friends and family.
What are the requirements to attend?
All students 15 and older with six months of playing experience are welcome to attend.
After completing your registration, you will be prompted to submit a video link of a solo performance. These links are reviewed by the faculty to place students into the appropriate level classes before arriving to the program. Professional video quality is not required, but your performance should demonstrate your personal best.
Please note: This program has limited capacity. Submission of registration materials alone does not guarantee participation in the program. You will secure your spot by paying in full. When the program capacity has been reached, registrants who have not paid in full will be placed on a waitlist.
What do I need to bring?
Below is a list of items you should be prepared to bring.
Your instrument and any necessary accessories
Mutes: for classical players, a straight mute; for contemporary players, a plunger
A tuner and a metronome (possibly on your phone)
A device to access Zoom
A notebook and pencil
Concert attire: a pair of black or khaki long pants and a colorful, short-sleeved shirt; or a colorful dress
If you intend to stay in the Berklee residence halls while participating in the program, please review what to bring for your room on the housing page.
Larry Isaacson is a professor of trombone at Boston Conservatory at Berklee. He has performed with the San Francisco, Boston, and Chicago symphonies as well as the Boston Pops. In addition to the Conservatory, he has taught at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tufts University, Boston University, and the New England Conservatory. Now an active conductor, he performs each summer at the Aspen Music Festival.
Billy Buss is an award-winning trumpet player, composer, producer, and educator. He has been recognized by DownBeat magazine, the National Foundation for the Advancement in the Arts, and the White House (as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts). Buss is an assistant professor in Berklee College of Music's Brass Department.
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