Brass students at Colorado State University have the opportunity to play in the school’s top ensembles including two orchestras, three concert bands, two jazz bands, three jazz combos, and a world-class marching band. There are also many chamber opportunities including large brass ensemble, trumpet ensemble, horn ensemble, quintets, quartets, and trios. These ensembles have been featured at regional and national venues, conferences, and events such as the Colorado Music Educators Association, American Bandmasters Association, International Trombone Festival, the International Horn Society of America, the Pepsi Center for the Denver Nuggets, Mile High Stadium for the Denver Broncos, department tours, the 9New Parade of Lights, and many more.
In the brass area, undergraduate students study extensively with a professor of their instrument, not primary instruction from graduate students. Instrumental studios work in a competitive, yet friendly environment, creating great musical growth in the ensembles. In addition to personal instruction from their professor, combined studio classes give students the opportunity to work with other professors, providing depth and breadth to their weekly experiences.
Graduate brass students can expect the same opportunities as undergraduates. Due to previous experience, it is common for graduate students to be at or near the top of their respective sections following ensemble auditions. Graduate students are eligible for teaching assistantships and often help with instruction in various fields, including studio lessons, chamber coaching, and assisting with classes such as Music Appreciation.
Prolific brass guest artists visit CSU every semester, giving students exposure to professionals in the field as an avenue for a diverse and comprehensive education.
These experiences foster development toward becoming a well-rounded person, world-class performer, and successful teacher.
Study With
Brass Events
Spring 2024 Student Recitals / FREE
Spring Choir Concert: My Life Flows On in Endless Song
CSU Percussion Ensemble Festival Concert
Fall 2024 CSU Drumline Live Auditions
Double Reed Studio Recital / FREE
String Chamber Music Concert / FREE
Concert Band Concert: Musical Memories / FREE
Graduate String Quartet
Concert Orchestra Concert: Ancient Airs and Echoes / FREE
Music at the Museum Concert Series: Music and Art Graduate Collaboration
Piano Studio Recital / FREE
University Symphony Orchestra Concert: Propulsion!
World Percussion Ensemble Concert
CSU Marching Band Q&A: Webinar #2
2024 Summer Voice Intensive
2024 CSU Jazz Summer Workshop
CSU Marching Band Preseason Virtual Q&A
2024 CSU Percussion Camp
2024 Colorado Harp Seminar
2024 Organ Week
2024 CSU Brass Workshop
Concert Version: Bye Bye Birdie
2024 International Keyboard Odyssiad® & Festival, U.S.A.
CSU Band Day
CSU Alumni Band at 2024 Homecoming and Family Weekend
2024 CSU Honor Band Festival
Brass News
Music major Hannah Steward accepted to National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute
Hannah Steward, a Colorado State University first-year trombone performance major, was one of sixty exceptional young musicians accepted to the prestigious National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute. Steward was excited to see her selection email from The Kennedy Center, especially given the large number of applicants. “Dr. Leslie made a difference just encouraging me to […]
Fourth annual Trumpet Day at CSU
The fourth annual CSU Trumpet Day occurs at the University Center for the Arts on Saturday, March 4, 2024. The day-long event features guest artists Dr. Chloe Swindler and Gabriel Mervine to discuss their careers and trumpet-playing ideas. CSU Trumpet Day, led by trumpet professor, Dr. Stanley Curtis, is a day of learning and performing […]
Brass Blog
A Run-Out to Brazil
Well, this trip unexpectedly turned into quite the adventure! Clarinet Professor Wesley Ferreira and I left Colorado on Sunday, June 25, to head to Natal, Brazil for the 2017 International Horn Symposium, held at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN). This is the largest single French horn event in the entire world […]