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

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Concert Band and Campus Band

7:30 pm

Wharton Center

MSU Bands

The program, conducted by Arris Golden, features Tuttarana by Reena Esmail, Second Suite in F by Gustav Holst, Resting in the Peace of His Hands by John Gibson, Fallingwater at Twilight by James David, and His Honor by Henry Fillmore.

Event Details

$$$

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Symphony Orchestra, “Rhythms in Motion: A Celebration of Dance”

7:30 pm

Wharton Center

MSU Orchestras

Conducted by Octavio Más-Arocas, the MSU Symphony Orchestra closes the season with an energetic program featuring Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier Suite, Contreras’s Mariachitlán, Simon’s Hellfighters’ Blues, Ravel’s Boléro, and a student-composed Sam and Mary Austin Fanfare.

Event Details

$$$

Saturday, April 25, 2026

MSU Choirs with Wind Symphony

7:30 pm

Wharton Center

MSU Wind Symphony and Choirs

MSU Wind Symphony joins forces with various MSU choirs to present a powerful concert featuring works by guest composer Jake Runestad, including Proud Music of the Storm, A Silence Haunts Me, and a piece by MSU composer David Biedenbender.

Event Details

$$$

Sunday, April 26, 2026

Spartan Youth Wind Symphony and Symphony Band

3:00 pm

Wharton Center

MSU Bands

An afternoon showcasing wind ensemble versatility with Bernstein’s Slava!, Profanation, and BSO Forever, plus works by Chambers, Yagisawa, Piunno, Sousa, and Newman, conducted by Dana Sedatole and David Thornton.

Event Details

$$$

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