2025 Pokorny Low Brass Seminar

Unlike many festival-type opportunities, this is an intense workshop for low brass players to really engage a wide range of musical, stylistic, technical and professional issues in-depth with unprecedented access to some of the most respected low brass players.

Participating performers include a wide range of professional symphony musicians, freelancers, college teachers, graduate and undergraduate music majors, advanced high school students and dedicated amateurs. These broad perspectives create wonderfully rich discussions that inspire and energize all of our participants.

Seminar Leaders

Gene Pokorny, tuba, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Timothy Higgins, trombone, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra
Brian Hecht, trombone/bass trombone, Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Sergio Carolino tuba, Porto Symphony Orchestra Casa da Música
Timothy Riordan, trombone, Northern Illinois University
Mark Fry, euphonium/bass trombone, Northern Illinois University
Matthew Gaunt, tuba, Northern Illinois University
Andrew Glendening, trombone, Northern Illinois University

Curriculum

Faculty solo and ensemble recitals
Group warm-up classes
Masterclasses and clinics
Orchestral section work and mock auditions

Specifically, here are some of the areas we will explore:

Warm-ups, and warm-ups that go way beyond
Sensitivity in balancing brass ensembles; particularly an orchestral low brass section
What is correct vs. what is traditional
Team playing and the musical brain
Our responsibility to the art and to the future of it
The importance of clarity “out front”
The art of listening (i.e. to finally hear what you have been listening to)
Solos and interpretation (i.e. getting away from fat-free, taste-free, style-free playing)
Life and livelihood: the balancing act
Guacamole, trains, astronomy and “The Search for Intelligent Life in the Modern-Day Symphony Orchestra”
Participation

You can attend the Pokorny Low Brass Seminar as a performer or auditor. All participants play in the warm-up and large ensembles and can attend any of the sessions. A limited number of performers will be accepted by audition or professional recommendation to perform in the masterclasses.

Event Website