Brass

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

John McGuire

  • Associate Professor of Music
  • Horn, Chamber Music
  • Brass Area Coordinator

John.McGuire@colostate.edu

Stanley Curtis

  • Assistant Professor of Music
  • Trumpet

(703) 509-0873

Stanley.Curtis@colostate.edu

Drew Leslie

  • Associate Professor of Music
  • Trombone
  • Undergraduate Coordinator
  • Music Minor Advisor

Drew.Leslie@colostate.edu

Brass Events

Guest Artist Concert: Fortress Brass Quintet / FREE

March 24, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Fortress Brass Quintet Live! The acclaimed Fortress Brass Quintet returns to Colorado for an evening exploring standards of the brass quintet literature as well as new works for American audiences that the quintet discovered on their numerous international tours.

Trumpet Studio Recital / FREE

March 26, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Please join us for a concert of solos and chamber music by members of the Trumpet Studio led by Dr. Stanley Curtis.

North American Baroque Trumpet Conference and Competition

April 6, 2024 at 9:30 AM
2024 North American Baroque Trumpet Competition and Conference at Colorado State University For more information, or to register as a presenter or competitor: NABTCC Schedule of Events: Saturday, April 6 9:30am              Welcome and Opening Remarks Stanley Curtis – Colorado State University                                         Runyan Rehearsal Hall 10:00am            Clinic: TBD Jason Dovel – [...]

Brass News

2024 CSU Trumpet Day graphic

Fourth annual Trumpet Day at CSU

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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 […]

Colorado Bandmasters Association logo

Percussion Professor Shilo Stroman works with marching bands across the state

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Shilo Stroman, senior instructor of music for percussion and marching band drumline, shared his marching expertise with many Colorado high school marching bands throughout the competitive season. “Now that the marching band season in Colorado is officially over, I’d like to thank the ensembles who trusted me to create music for them,” said Stroman after […]

Brass Blog

2017 International Horn Symposium tour photo

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 […]