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Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, located in the scenic "Endless Mountains" of north-central PA, will be hosting a Brass Band Camp for students ages 14-19 (9th-12th grades) June 27-30, 2012 (Wednesday-Saturday). The Mansfield University Brass Band Camp focuses on performing in the traditional brass band setting and smaller brass ensembles – experiencing the unique sound of the brass band, exposure to a wide variety of brass band and brass ensemble repertoire, and an overview of some of the history and common practices of traditional brass bands. Campers spend up to four hours each day in brass band rehearsals, as well as time working with staff coaches in master-classes, sectionals, and chamber ensembles.

The camp faculty is comprised primarily of members of the Mansfield University Music Department. This faculty is augmented by individuals in the music field who are outstanding players and teachers. Camp counselors are selected Mansfield University music majors and will also serve as teaching staff by helping to coach master classes and chamber ensembles. Counselors will also play with the band. Camp directors are:

Dr. Nathan Rinnert, Assistant Director of Bands, Tuba, Mansfield University
Dr. Rinnert is the Assistant Director of Bands at MU where he directs the MU Brass, as well as other band ensembles, and teaches the tuba studio. He will be conducting the camp band, as well as coaching chamber ensembles and teaching the low brass master-class and sectionals (baritones, euphoniums, trombones, and tubas).

Dr. Michael Galloway, Director, Trumpet, Mansfield University Jazz Band
Dr. Galloway directs the Jazz Band program and teaches the trumpet studio at MU. He will be teaching the high brass master class (cornets, flugelhorn, & alto horn) and coaching chamber ensembles. We hope to have Dr. Galloway soloing on cornet with the band as well!

Campers are encouraged to bring their own instruments; however, Mansfield University has available a number of "non-standard" band instruments for use by campers, including:

1 Schilke E-flat Soprano Cornet (with Denis Wick mouthpiece)
9 Schilke XA1 B-flat Cornets (with Denis Wick mouthpieces)
3 York 3050 Preference Tenor Horns (with Denis Wick mouthpieces)
2 York BA3055 Preference Baritone Horns (with Denis Wick mouthpieces)
1 B&S PT-22 E-flat Tuba
1 York YOEB-3082 Preference Compensating EE-flat Tuba
Numerous B-flat Tubas, including one 1960(ish) Holton 345 B-flat Tuba

ALL BRASS PLAYERS (with the exception of bass trombone) read transposed treble-clef parts in a traditional brass band. Low brass campers who are unfamiliar, or less-experienced, with this practice should prepare with trumpet etudes or solos - utilizing "trumpet fingerings" (ie., open C's). Trombone players should know that reading B-flat, treble-clef trombone parts is visually very similar to reading tenor clef parts. Easy trumpet etude/method books and trumpet solos are often readily available from school music teachers or local music stores.

Typical daily schedule (for Thursday & Friday):
7:00 am Breakfast
8:30 am Group Breathing and Sectional Warm-ups
9:30 am Brass Band Rehearsal
11:00 am Sectionals
Noon Lunch
1:00 pm Brass Quintets & Quartets
2:30 pm Brass Band Rehearsal
4:00 pm Master classes
5:00 pm Dinner
6:00 pm Sectionals
7:30 pm Brass Band Rehearsal
8:30 pm Evening activities = recitals and/or social activities

Camp information and registration can be found at http://mansfield.edu/camps/music-camps/brass-band-camp/. Campers are asked to submit a school band director recommendation form with their application - this can also be found on the website. Cost for the 4-day, 3-night camp is $300.00.

Questions should be directed to Dr. Nate Rinnert, nrinnert@mansfield.edu" target="_blank" target="_blank or 570-662-4739.

Just a clarification:

It is not required that all low brass players read treble-clef parts - bass-clef parts will be made available. Utilizing treble-clef parts is standard practice in the brass band tradition, so reading treble-clef is recommended for low brass players interested in continuting participation in brass bands.

Please share with your trumpet/cornet, horn, and trombone friends!

Still have a couple of openings for tuba players and euphonium/baritone players! Should be a fun time! Repertoire will be challenging, yet accessible for high school musicians. A great opportunity for high school low brass players to hone their tranposed trebe-clef chops; although this is not a requirement (bass clef parts will be made available). If you're looking for an extended (4 day, 3 night) honor band setting (lots of rehearsal time!) with a brass band twist, this is the camp for you.

Tell your cornet, alto/tenor horn (French horn players), trombone, and percussion friends!

Still looking for a couple of strong BBb tuba players. Repertoire should be challenging and fun! Here's a sample:

Legends in Brass - Curnow
Jurassic Park - John Williams/Mortimer
Hymn for Diana - Turrin
Smile - Charlie Chaplin/Mortimer

And lots of chamber ensemble music too!

Contact me with questions or comments at nrinnert@mansfield.edu" target="_blank" target="_blank or 570-662-4739.

Nate Rinnert

Finale Concert at 11:00am in Steadman Theater on the Mansfield University campus, featuring the large camp ensemble performing Jurassic Park (John Williams, arr. Mortimer), Home on the Range (the James Ralston/James Barnes arrangement set for brass band by me - University of Kansas graduates will know it), Smile (Charlie Chaplin, arr. Mortimer), and Legend in Brass (James Curnow). Three brass quintets also performing a wide varitey of selections. This first (annual?) camp has been a huge success! Sending home a great group of campers excited about brass band opportunities. Already anxious for next summer!