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The 2011 Outer Banks Winter Tuba Retreat is a unique opportunity for tuba players from around the world to come together to share their love of playing the tuba. Participants come from all walks of life: students, teachers, professionals, enthusiasts, part-time players, comeback players, etc. All are welcome in a noncompetitive, friendly, supporting atmosphere where learning and sharing knowledge is the key element to the week.

The beautiful setting of the Outer Banks of North Carolina is the perfect backdrop for the tuba retreat. Participants are housed in a luxury mansion steps away from the beach fully equipped with a swimming pool, hot tub, game rooms, two gourmet kitchens and spectacular views of the Atlantic ocean. Here is a link to one of the houses that we have used for the retreat in the past:

http://www.carolinadesigns.com/vacation ... taway.aspx" target="_blank" target="_blank

Leaders of the retreat are Matthew K. Brown, tuba soloist and tubaist with the Rodney Mack Philadelphia Big Brass, and Alan Baer, principal tubaist of the New York Philharmonic.

Included in the fee for the retreat is one week of lodging, four gourmet style dinners, four days of seminars, master classes and ensemble practice. Also included is transportation to and from Norfolk International Airport. Private instruction can be arranged for a fee separately.

For more information, please visit: http://www.rmpbb.com/artist.php?view=reper&rid=901" target="_blank" target="_blank

We still have room for two more - follow the link above for contact info, etc.

Ya'll come!

MKB

I thought I'd chime in and tell everyone my great experience with last year's retreat. I wish I could go, but all my funds are wrapped up in getting an F tuba.

First of all, if you don't realize how great hanging with tuba players in general really is, WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR FREE TIME?!? Most tuba players I have met have been very chill fun to be with people.

Second, this is a chance to hang out with a bunch of tuba players with 2 great pros on our instrument in a very relaxed setting where you get to pick their brains about everything tuba and music. I talked so much to both of them last year, asking so many questions, so I'm sure they are glad to get a year off from me. But have you had a chance to ask Alan Baer all your equipment/excerpt/technique questions? Matt Brown your musical expression/freelance/love of music/technique questions? Played duets with either guy? They both are so amazing, and in so many different ways, it's great just being around that diversity.

That's only a small portion of the awesomeness that happened last year. Hearing either of them warm up (Al warmed up on the MW Travel F for one session last year...so cool to hear) and play was worth the price of admission by itself, never mind getting meals, a beautiful house, and vacation time. You can take a private lesson with either one of them for a little extra as well.

There were of course many fun party time shenanigans that happened last year, I will not divulge any info about that stuff.

Lastly, any problems or concerns that were addressed about last year were corrected for this year.

I highly recommend this to anyone considering. It's a very laid back awesome learning experience and I look forward to being able to attend in the future again. Any questions about my experience feel free to e-mail me.