NKU is proud to present the 3rd Annual New Orleans Style Brass Band Workshop! This year’s workshop will take place during the weekend of March 1-2, 2025 on the campus of Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY.
The NKU Brass Bands will be comprised of:
1. trumpets
2. trombones
3. clarinets
4. alto, tenor, baritone saxophones
5. drum set
6. tuba/sousaphone
7. Electric/ acoustic bass players
Historically associated with parades, the NKU Brass Bands will be comprised of trumpets, trombones, alto, tenor, baritone saxophones, drum set and this year we are including bass players!
Our goal is to promote an important part of the history of American music. The Roots of Jazz, Big Band, American dance music and popular song interpretation are found in the Brass Band tradition. In fact, some of the first non-military marching groups were New Orleans-style brass bands. The music is written and arranged but also features sections of improvisation. No need to worry, improvisation experience is not necessary to participate!
This style of music affords students the opportunity to showcase their skills and experience the joy of individual expression while maintaining and fostering the group dynamic. The lighthearted and carefree nature of the music provides a great way to showcase your students' creative side. You never know, some of your favorite pop songs might be featured in the performance!
The event is hosted by William Brian Hogg, Associate Professor of Saxophone and Director of Jazz Studies; John Zappa, Professor of Jazz Trumpet. The workshop will conclude on with a concert and will feature a professional Brass Band performing ensemble.
All rehearsals and masterclasses are open to directors for and parents. The Sunday afternoon Finale concert at 2:30pm is free admission, and will be held in Greaves Concert Hall.
ELIGIBILITY
We are looking for your top students for The NKU Brass Honor Bands. Band directors will nominate students. Deadline for nominations is February 15, 2025, with notifications to students and directors going out by February 18, 2025. Every effort will be made to include all of your recommendations. Once students are nominated and selected, it is expected that they will attend the workshop. In addition to the unique instruction and experience, all participants will receive a T-shirt, a snack and lunch on Saturday. Please encourage your most deserving students to participate!
SELECTION
Students are selected and placed in the ensembles based on their director’s recommendation and required instrumentation. Every effort will be made to include all of the nominees; however, instrumentation may play a factor in the selection.
NOTIFICATION
Students (and their directors) will be notified of their selection to participate in the New Orleans Brass Band Workshop beginning on Tuesday, February 18th.
SEATING AUDITION
Audition music can be found online by clicking the button below
REGISTRATION
Registration will take place on Saturday, March 1st from 9am in the lobby of Greaves Concert Hall on the campus of Northern Kentucky University. Information and an interactive campus map can be found at: https://inside.nku.edu/facilities/maps.html.
An audition will follow registration with a member of the NKU faculty. Students will be placed into an ensemble based on the needs of the group and availability of instrumentation. The goal is to balance each group to maximize the success of each performance.
COSTS
The cost for each student will be $40, which should be paid by Saturday, March 1st. In addition to the unique instruction and experience, all participants will receive a T-shirt, a snack and lunch on Saturday
Payments may be made by cash or check at registration. (delete: online)
MEALS and TRANSPORTATION
Except for Saturday’s snack and lunch, students will be responsible for their own meals and transportation. Parking for the weekend is covered by NKU.
CONCERT DRESS
Students should wear the provided t-shirt for the performance on Sunday.
PERFORMANCE
The Brass Bands will perform on Sunday, March 2 at 2:30pm. This concert is free and open to the public and will be held in Greaves Concert Hall. Directors, parents, family, and friends are all encouraged to attend. A recording of the concert is also planned and will be made available online.
Saturday, March 1st 2025
9:00-9:30 AM: Registration at Greaves Concert Hall Lobby
9:30 – 10:30AM Placement auditions
10:30-12:00 PM - Rehearsal
12:00-1:00 PM - Lunch Break (provided by NKU)
1:00-2:40 PM - Masterclasses
3:00-5:00 PM Rehearsal
Sunday, March 2nd 2025
9:00-10:40AM - Rehearsal
10:40-11:00 AM - Break (snack provided by NKU)
11:00-1:00PM - Rehearsal
2:30PM - Concert with special guest band
