An opportunity for High School Musicians

This semester, the Milwaukee Festival Brass will continue to offer opportunities for High School Musicians to participate in their Apprentice Program.  Here's the information I received from the MFB:

The Milwaukee Festival Brass is currently seeking talented high school musicians to audition for membership in our High School Apprentice Program. An experience unlike any other, qualified students will perform within our British-style brass band, mentored by the gifted adult musicians seated next to them. 

Brass bands use a standard British instrumentation, consisting of Bb Cornets (in place of trumpets), Flugelhorns, Eb Tenor Horns (sometimes called Alto Horns – in place of French horns), Trombones, Baritones, Euphoniums, Tubas, and Percussion.  Students eligible for the High School Apprentice Program (HSAP) who normally play trumpet or French horn would be asked to switch to cornet or tenor horn.  Those auditioning, horn players in particular, should consult their band directors and private teachers regarding the differences between these instruments.  They require different mouthpieces and slightly different embouchures as well.  All of the brass musicians read treble clef with the exception of the bass trombone.  Students will be coached in new fingerings and/or clefs.

For information about audition requirements, dates and times and any other questions, please call our HSAP coordinator, Dawn Williams at (262) 309-9333 or visit www.mfbrass.org and select the Youth Opportunities link.

This is a wonderful and unique opportunity for a brass or percussion high school student.  The MFB performs a wide variety of music.  A talented high school musician can gain this type of experience in very few ways today.  I strongly encourage you to think seriously of participating.  You will not regret it.