Brass

Areas

Ensembles

ABOUT THE BRASS AREA

The Michigan State University brass area prepares students for success as performers, teachers, researchers and leaders with careers in symphony orchestras, military bands, chamber ensembles, and at universities, colleges and schools.

Faculty in the MSU brass area work with students whose major instruments are trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba. Students participate in weekly private lessons, studio classes, and chamber coaching as they develop individually and explore exciting musical careers.

All faculty maintain active performing careers on regional, national, and international levels, and have strong ties within the performing and teaching communities. Guest artists frequently offer masterclasses, perform with students and faculty, and provide insights on careers and building networks.

After Graduation

Brass graduates excel in diverse careers—from performing in top orchestras to teaching and composing.

Performance Opportunities

Brass student thrive on abundant performance opportunities, from solo recitals and chamber ensembles to collaborations with faculty and visiting artists.

Degree Opportunities and Requirements

Students focusing on disciplines within the Brass Area have a variety of degree opportunities to choose from.

Brass Faculty

Justin Emerich

Professor of Trumpet, Chair of Brass Area

Chance Huiet

Assistant Professor of Tuba/Euphonium

Kenneth Thompkins

Associate Professor of Trombone

Corbin Wagner

Associate Professor of Horn

Heather Zweifel

Assistant Professor of Trumpet

Upcoming Events

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Honors Concerto Competition

1:00 pm

Cook Recital Hall

This annual event showcases a select group of student musicians across a range of disciplines, where they present diverse repertoire to a panel of judges to compete for a chance to solo with MSU’s top ensembles.

Event Details

Free

Online

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble Concert

7:30 pm

Fairchild Theatre

MSU Small Ensembles

Join us for a vibrant brass concert featuring solo, quartet, and full ensemble performances, marking Chance Huiet’s debut as MSU’s new tuba and euphonium professor and celebrating the university’s legacy of low brass excellence.

Event Details

$$$

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Symphony Band

7:30 pm

Wharton Center

MSU Bands

The MSU Symphony Band, under the direction of David Thornton, presents a compelling program featuring Berlioz’s Marche Hongroise, the world premiere of Maxwell Kowal’s Express, and Nelhýbel’s Trittico.

Event Details

$$$

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Wind Symphony

7:30 pm

Wharton Center

MSU Bands

The MSU Wind Symphony, with guest conductor Tyler Austin and guest ensemble Newfound Winds, presents a vibrant program featuring Adams’ Incandescence, Flagello’s The Bird-While, Copland’s Buckaroo Holiday, and the world premiere of Frank Duarte’s Lenguaje, Symphony No. 1.

Event Details

$$$

Friday, February 6, 2026

Symphony Orchestra, “Holst’s The Planets”

7:30 pm

Wharton Center

MSU Orchestras

The MSU Symphony Orchestra, under Octavio Más-Arocas, offers a sweeping program featuring Gala Flagello’s introspective Everything Beautiful, Holst’s iconic cosmic masterpiece The Planets, and a student-composed Sam and Mary Austin Fanfare.

Event Details

$$$

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