Dr. Todd Hastings, Professor of Trumpet at Pittsburg State University, visited the Minot State University campus on April 18, 2008 for the Fifth Annual Brass Day Festival. Over 50 brass players participated in the scheduled activities which included both high and low brass. Dr. Mike Hall, Professor of Trombone at Old Dominion University, worked with the low brass players at the event. The all-day festival included master classes, clinics, and rehearsals with Dr. Hastings and Dr. Hall. Students learned about proper warm-up techniques, practice techniques, and had a special class on improvisation. At the end of the day’s activities, the students performed works showcasing what they had learned that day. The showcase concert also featured both Dr. Hastings and Dr. Hall with a short recital for the students at the end of the performance. Dr. Hastings performed Concerto in Eb by J.B.G. Neruda on Eb Trumpet with Dr. Dianna Anderson accompanying on piano. In addition to these clinics and recital, both Dr. Hastings and Dr. Hall performed Cousins by Herbert L. Clarke with the Minot Community Band for a fundraising event for the music programs in Minot, ND later that same evening.

Todd Hastings conducts High Brass students at the Minot State University Brass Day Festival