Saginaw Valley State University Brass Day

On February 2, 2019, Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) in Saginaw, Michigan held its first annual Brass Day. Guest artists for the day included the Mid-Michigan Brass Band and the Quintasonic Brass Quintet.

Brass players from high schools and community bands from Mid-Michigan were in attendance. The event began with a warm-up master class given by Dr. Norman Wika, Director of Bands, followed by SVSU brass faculty master classes to attendees.


Mid-Michigan Brass Band, led by Dr. Norman Wika


SVSU trumpet professor Eduardo Farias discusses sound concepts with trumpet players

After a morning performance by the Mid-Michigan Brass Band, Jason Dovel of Quintasonic Brass demonstrated and explained performance practice on the valveless natural trumpet.

The afternoon sessions began with master classes given by the guest artists, the Quintasonic Brass: Vincent DiMartino and Jason Dovel on trumpet, Matthew Haislip on horn, Alex van Duuren on trombone, and Alex Lapins on tuba. After they worked with individual students, they coached a student brass quintet.


Quintasonic Brass

The event concluded with a Q&A session with the Quintasonic Brass, and their performance at the Rhea Miller Recital Hall. The group’s performance was highlighted by several features from each ensemble member and concluded with a rousing ovation from the audience.


2019 SVSU Brass Day participants

(Source: Eduardo Farias, Adjunct Professor of Trumpet, SVSU)

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