ENCOURAGE THE FUTURE
It is part of our mission to spark musical passion in the lives of students in the state of Colorado and beyond. Not only do we focus on cultivating the next generation of music professionals, we also want to help grow the next generation of passionate audience members.
Denver Brass has a variety of educational programs designed for all ages and abilities. Offering both in-school and extra-curricular programs, these are designed to offer Colorado music educators exciting and engaging content that supplements their curriculum and helps cultivate musical passion in the lives of their students.
In-School Programs
Music for Life
An in-school quintet concert and workshop suitable for all instrumental students. Designed in collaboration with the music educator to fit individual school needs, Music for Life programs are presented by the recital quintet, the Denver Brass5. Denver Brass5 musicians present a concert and discuss many aspects of musicianship including successful practice techniques, developing a beautiful sound, improvisation, the unique skills utilized in chamber music, and other topics as requested by the school.
Side By Side
An in-school rehearsal and community concert with the full Denver Brass ensemble. Designed in collaboration with the music educator to fit individual school needs, the Side by Side program includes an afternoon rehearsal and an evening community concert. Usually, school ensembles perform the first half of the concert. Following an intermission, Denver Brass presents a 20-25 minute set of music. The concert is concluded with the performance of three joint pieces.
Every year, we acquire grant funds to help defray the cost of these programs. To learn more and/or to schedule a Music for Life or Side by Side program at your school call 303-832-4676 or email info@denverbrass.org.
Virtual Programs
Denver Brass Mini-Masterclasses
These Mini-Masterclasses with Denver Brass’ incredible musicians are focused on a specific brass pedagogy topic, allowing the viewer to really hone in on a skill that may be new or needing extra work. Learn a new practice technique in under 20 minutes! These virtual supplementary teaching videos are designed for middle and high school music students and educators, but can be a great resource for musicians of all ages. DB Mini-Masterclasses are made available to students and educators at no charge, thanks to foundation funding and support from individual donors.
Digital Music for Life
In this new world of remote learning, Denver Brass is pleased to continue to offer the same quality Music for Life program, presented via Zoom or your classroom’s digital classroom platform. Designed in collaboration with the music educator to fit individual school needs, a Digital Music for Life program is presented by a single member of the Denver Brass or the recital quintet, budget dependent.
More Educational Programs
Rafael Méndez Brass Institute
Each summer the Denver Brass proudly hosts the annual Rafael Méndez Brass Institute at the Lamont School of Music, University of Denver.
Honoring the legendary trumpet virtuoso, Rafael Méndez (1906-1981), the Rafael Méndez Brass Institute is the world’s leading performance and career development seminar for brass musicians and educators. All participants perform in brass ensembles and master classes, coached by some of the foremost brass artists in the nation.
Significant scholarships are available to juniors and seniors who plan to pursue a career in music.