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The 2012 Rafael Méndez Brass Institute, honoring the legendary trumpet virtuoso, Rafael Méndez (1906-1981), will be hosted at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music July 15-20, 2012. The Rafael Méndez Brass welcomes applications from brass musicians and educators age 18 and older. All participants receive ensemble coaching from some of the foremost brass artists in the nation, attend daily master classes and career seminars focusing on audition preparation, career development, ensemble organization, innovative marketing techniques for ensembles and individuals, and more. Each evening concludes with a concert featuring Summit Brass Faculty, The Denver Brass, and other guest artists.

The application fee for the Rafael Méndez Brass Institute is $35, which is non refundable. Tuition is $775, and scholarships are available for up to $500 each. Enrollment opens February 1, 2012 and is limited to 140 participants. Rolling acceptance will continue until all positions are filled. Auditor positions are available. Additional information about how to apply and on campus lodging will be available in the coming weeks.

2012 Faculty includes:
Trumpet: Allan Dean, David Hickman, Alan Hood, John Marchiando, Ronald Romm
Horn: Thomas Bacon, Allene Hackleman, Martin Hackleman, A. David Krehbiel, Susan McCullough, Bernhard Scully
Trombone: Scott Hartman, Carl Lenthe, Larry Zalkind, John Lofton (bass), Joseph Martin (tbn/euph)
Euphonium: Brian Bowman
Tuba: Kathleen Aylsworth Brantigan, Warren Deck, Timothy Northcut, Warren Deck

The institute is generously sponsored by Dr. Raphael G. Méndez and Dr. Robert Méndez in memory of their esteemed father. A large number of tuition scholarships are available thanks to a generous gift from the Méndez brothers.

The Mendez Institute is easily the best bang for your buck out there. My experience there was unforgettable and I was able to get coaching from Dr. Brian Bowman, lessons from Dan Perantoni, Warren Deck, and Tim Northcut. Kathy Brantigan (Executive Director of the Denver Brass) gives a great talk on running your own ensemble and being an entrepreneur and the Summit Brass and Denver Brass give AMAZING concerts.

Don't sit on your butt this summer, come to Mendez and have the opportunity to get lessons and participate in master classes with some of the best teachers in the country!

Last summer was my first experience at the Rafael Méndez Brass Institute. I cannot tell you how valuable and knowledge-enrichening this brass institute is. You will get hands-on coaching in either a brass quintet, brass choir, or tuba/euphonium quartet. You also get to have lessons with some of the most renowned and well-known tuba and euphonium instructors as well as participate in masterclasses. If you have the money, I highly recommend and encourage you to attend this next summer. You will not be disappointed, and you will definitely get your moneys-worth.