Brass
Students in the brass area enjoy studying with a wide array of world-renowned experts. In addition to studying with master performers and teachers, students also have the opportunity to perform in award-winning large ensembles such as the Duquesne University Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony and Symphony Band. Recent repertoire has included Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, Brahms’ Symphony No. 2, Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, and Copland’s Appalachian Spring.
Chamber music also plays a very important role in our students’ education. Students frequently perform in brass quintets, brass choir, and other wind chamber groups. Recent repertoire has included Igor Stravinsky’s L’histoire du Soldat, Oliver Messiaen’s Oiseaux exotiques, Stravinsky’s Octet, and Strauss’ Serenade in E-flat.
Graduates of the Mary Pappert School of Music can be seen performing in the nation’s top professional performing ensembles such the Pittsburgh Symphony, Chicago Symphony, Metropolitan Opera, and various military bands in Washington, D.C.