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

Johanna Yarbrough

Associate Professor of Horn

Heather Zweifel

Assistant Professor of Trumpet

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Symphony Band

7:30 pm

Wharton Center

MSU Bands

This program of dynamic works, conducted by David Thornton, includes Pegasus Fanfare from The Sleeping Spirit by John Gibson, Starry Ocean by Shuying Li, Anahita by Roshanne Etezady, Hands Across the Sea by John Philip Sousa, and The Wild Goose by Ryan George.

Event Details

$$$

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Wind Symphony

7:30 pm

Wharton Center

MSU Bands

MSU composer Zhou Tian premieres his Concerto for Saxophone with acclaimed saxophonist Joseph Lulloff, joined by Hindemith’s Konzertmusik für Blasorchester and Maslanka’s Symphony No. 8, conducted by Kevin L. Sedatole.

Event Details

$$$

Friday, March 20, 2026

Symphony Orchestra’s Honors Concert

7:30 pm

Wharton Center

MSU Orchestras

The MSU Symphony Orchestra, led by Octavio Más-Arocas, celebrates the Honors Concerto Competition winners with a vibrant program of student soloists and a Sam and Mary Austin Fanfare by an MSU student composer.

Event Details

$$$

Thursday, April 9, 2026

Wind Symphony Concert and World Premiers at Hill Auditorium

7:30 pm

Other

MSU Bands

The MSU Wind Symphony presents a varied program of classic and contemporary works, featuring world premieres by MSU composers.

Event Details

Free

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Sensory Friendly Spartan Concert

10:00 am

Other

MSU Small Ensembles

All are welcome to this inclusive chamber concert tailored for individuals on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities, featuring interactive music activities, audience mobility, noise-making, and a quiet room for comfort.

Event Details

Free

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