The Cathedral Brass Youth Ensemble is a new program based at Vienna Presbyterian Church that will provide education and performance opportunities for high school-aged brass players. The Cathedral Brass Youth Ensemble will provide students with an introduction to the performance of brass literature drawn from many eras and genres, with an emphasis on teaching basic ensemble skills, musicianship, and teamwork.

So, what is a brass ensemble? Throughout the history of Western music, composers from Giovanni Gabrielli to John Williams have written literature for different combinations of trumpets, trombones, horns, euphoniums, and tubas. Brass ensemble music gives players of these sometimes-neglected instruments a chance to step forward and shine! Brass ensemble playing presents new challenges for growing instrumentalists, and accelerates their musical development, builds capability, and increases confidence. Audiences around the world enjoy the versatility and virtuosity of spectacular brass ensembles like the Canadian Brass, the Burning River Brass, the Mnozil Brass, and many others!

Leadership: The Cathedral Brass Youth Ensemble will be directed and taught by Master Gunnery Sgt. (ret.) John Cradler, former Tuba Section leader and Principal Tuba player with the United States Marine Band (“The President’s Own”).

Participation: The youth ensemble is open to all high school students who have taken at least three years of band and are in good standing with their school program.

Schedule: We will rehearse once a month at Vienna Presbyterian Church (124 Park Street NE, Vienna, VA 22180. Our Spring 2020 schedule is:

Sunday, January 5, 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm	Sunday, March 29, 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Sunday, February 9, 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm	Sunday, April 19, 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Sunday, March 1, 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm	Saturday, May 16, 10:30 am to noon
Spring Concert with The Cathedral Brass: Sunday, May 17, at 4:30 pm

Tuition: Tuition is $50 for the Spring Season, and covers rehearsals and performances. Tuition is waived for students from registered families of the congregation at Vienna Presbyterian Church.

What do I need to bring? Students will need to bring their own instruments and a great attitude. We will supply music and folders. Concert dress is a white shirt, black pants/slacks/skirt, black socks, black shoes.

Interested? Please write to: youthbrass@cathedralbrass.org or call Mark Herzing at 703-851-4709

Master Gunnery Sgt. (ret.) John Cradler,