BRASS CAMP

Brass Camp is a summer ensemble made entirely of Pittsburgh-area student brass musicians open to 5th through 12th graders.  The group was conceived as an opportunity for these musicians to perform in a unique, fun ensemble during the summer months, supplementing what they had learned in their school's instrumental program. Age appropriate music is chosen that corresponds with a given theme, and is specifically arranged for the group to provide an appropriate challenge for all students, no matter their level of experience. Individual musicianship as well as the willingness and ability to perform with others are utilized.  Rehearsals are held on Sunday afternoons throughout the summer, and the camp culminates in a public performance.

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Brass Camp is proudly sponsored by Johnstonbaugh's Music Centers!

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Photos are provided courtesy of Harry Bloomberg, official photographer of the Pitt Band!

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BRASS CAMP 2021!

After a hiatus in 2020, we are pleased to announce that Brass Camp is BACK for 2021! The theme for this summer is "Curtain Call", and it will feature music from stage shows of all kinds, including ballets, operas, and musicals! 

We will adhere carefully to all safety recommendations as they relate to COVID, but we feel strongly about providing an ensemble opportunity for all students who have missed music making over the past year. 

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We hope you join us this summer at our NEW location, Rolling Hills Church in Verona, PA!

BRASS CAMP MISSION

• To create a fun and safe environment for brass students to learn the skills of playing their instruments while performing in a unique ensemble.

• To supplement the skills students are learning in their school band programs.

• To provide each student with a new tangible skill(s) that they can take with them to school in the fall.

• To teach students the skill of making music with others.

• To teach students the value of hard work and the benefits of overcoming obstacles.

• To encourage each student's love of music so that they may reach their maximum potential on their instrument while discovering that music is a life skill.

FAQ'S

Is there a registration deadline?

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The registration deadline will be June 16th, 2021.

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How do I know which ensemble my child is in?

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Students are placed in an ensemble based on what grade they will be in for the 2021-2022 school year:

Junior High: Grades 5-8
Senior High: Grades 9-12, & Class of 2021. The Class of 2020 is being invited to participate in Brass Camp this year due to Brass Camp 2020 being cancelled. 

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My child is in advanced ensembles at his school.  Can he/she move up into the senior high ensemble?

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All students will play in the ensemble that is for their grade, with no exceptions to be made.  This is to ensure that ALL ensembles sound as good as they possibly can sound!

Students are placed in an ensemble based on what grade they will be in for the 2021-2022. school year:

Junior High: Grades 5-8
Senior High: Grades 9-12, & Class of 2020/2021.

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What is a brass instrument?

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A brass instrument would be one of any of the following: trumpet, cornet, flugelhorn, French horn, alto horn, mellophone, baritone, euphonium, trombone, bass trombone, or tuba.

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My student doesn’t play a brass instrument, can he or she still participate?

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Unfortunately, the music performed by the Brass Camp has been custom arranged for brass instruments only, so students who play woodwind or string instruments are not able to participate.  Check with your school's band director to see if they provide anything.  If not, the PYPO Summer Camp is a great option for all instrumentalists!

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My student just started at the beginning of last school year. Can he or she still participate?

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Yes, absolutely!  The Brass Camp is designed for students going into 5th grade and older, as long as they have been taking lessons on their instrument for the majority of the school year.  The music is custom arranged with these “beginner” students in mind.  If you think your child may need some more help on their music, please let Michael know.

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My student is going to start playing an instrument this summer.  Can he or she participate?

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Unfortunately, this unique ensemble experience is designed for students who have achieved a certain level of competency on their instruments, normally occurring after a full year of instruction.  A student who is just starting out now will not appreciate the benefits that Brass Camp would have to offer, and may even grow frustrated at the experience!  To ensure that this does not happen, Brass Camp is restricted to those students who have had a full school year of instruction on their instrument…but don’t worry, we’ll be back next year!  

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Is there a cost for Brass Camp?

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The cost for Brass Camp this year is $60.00, which must be paid in full before the first rehearsal.  For this low price, you receive: Five rehearsals, concert, guest clinician workshop, custom arranged music, and a commemorative poster. Please note that payment is non-refundable after the registration deadline.

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How do I pay for Brass Camp?

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The cost for Brass Camp is $60.00 and is paid directly to Michael Buckstein. You are welcome to pay by check or Venmo. Please make checks out to "Michael Buckstein" or please Venmo "@Michael-Buckstein". 

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*NEW FOR 2021* Are there any discounts on Brass Camp registration I can get?

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Did you participate in Brass Camp 2019? If you are a returning Brass Camp 2019 member, you are eligible for a referral discount. For every friend that you bring who's never been to Brass Camp before, you will get $10 off your registration! That means if you bring 6 friends, you could potentially attend Brass Camp 2021 completely free of charge. To receive this discount, you must indicate on your registration form the name(s) of the friend that you are bringing, and they must mention your name on their registration form(s) as the person who referred them. 

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Is there a discount for siblings?

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Due to the registration price being so low to ensure that all students are able to participate in the Brass Camp, there is no further discount for siblings.

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*NEW FOR 2021* When and where are rehearsals? 

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Rehearsals for Brass Camp 2021 will be held at Rolling Hills Church in Penn Hills/Verona. The Junior High Ensemble will rehearse from 1-2:30 pm and the Senior High Ensemble will rehearse from 3-5 pm. The address for Rolling Hills Church is: 120 Gernert Dr, Verona, PA 15147.

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The dates are: 6/27. 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1

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When and where is the concert? Is there a charge for the concert?

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The concert will be held at Rolling Hills Church in the evening on Monday, August 2nd, 2021 (exact time TBA). There will be a $5 suggested donation for the concert. This donation will go directly to helping to fund next year's Brass Camp!

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Why do I need to fill out a medical form?

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While your child will only be in our care for a brief period of time once a week, it is best that we are prepared for any medical emergency that may take place, and having a medical form on hand helps in case something were to happen.  All information will be reviewed by the director and kept private, only to be used in the event of an emergency.  If you questions or concerns regarding this, please contact Michael. 

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I filled out a medical form last year, do I still need to fill one out?

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To maintain your privacy, the medical forms are destroyed at the culmination of each Brass Camp; therefore, yes, you will need to fill out a new form.

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Who are the clinicians this year?

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The Pittsburgh Trombone Project is now in its 9th year and quickly becoming recognized as one of America's leading chamber ensembles. This trombone quartet has performed its diverse repertoire to audiences of all ages and at various venues throughout the country. The members of the “Project” are four of the leading freelance trombonists in the Pittsburgh music scene: Kevin M. McManus, Bob Matchett, James Nova and Chris Carson. The group is committed to raising the profile of the trombone as a chamber music instrument by demonstrating its versatility as a classical, jazz and pop music instrument. Through writing its own arrangements and commissioning new works, the Pittsburgh Trombone Project has expanded the boundaries of the trombone quartet and widened its appeal to an ever increasing audience. The group has given recitals and masterclasses at Penn State University, Slippery Rock University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), West Virginia University, Westminster College and Seton Hill University.  Twice a year, The Pittsburgh Trombone Projecthosts "Trombone Sunday" at Memorial Park Presbyterian Church in Allison Park, PA. Always excited to promote music education, the PTP is active in delivering workshops and clinics to students of all ages and abilities from college music majors to elementary aged students. Members of the group have degrees in music and have attended some of the finest music schools in the United States. Members have also performed and recorded with some of the biggest entertainers and performers throughout the world.

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*NEW FOR 2021* Safety Modifications

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Brass Camp may look a little different this year. We will continue to monitor the health and safety situation in the months leading up to camp. We will adhere to the health and safety guidelines as set forth by the CDC. Modifications may include: 

• Musicians Masks

• Bell Covers

• Six (6) feet of physical distance

• Rehearsing/Performing Outside

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Our family is going on vacation in July. Can I still participate in Brass Camp?

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Yes! We understand that July is a common time for family vacations. When you register, simply indicate which date will be missed due to a family vacation or other obligation. This is no issue if it is a one time thing. If a student needs to miss 2 or more weeks of Brass Camp, that situation will need to be discussed with the director. 

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What do I need for a typical Brass Camp rehearsal? 

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For a typical rehearsal, all participants will need their music, instrument, a pencil, and a music stand. Music must be printed out at home! Our rehearsal space does not have stands, so everyone will need to provide their own stands. Folders and pencils will be provided, courtesy of Johnstonbaugh's Music Centers!

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Is your question still not answered?  Please e-mail Michael at michaelbucksteinmusic@gmail.com!