Why Brass at Duquesne?

Our flexible curriculum empowers you to shape your own music pathway with your Faculty Advisor and Student Success Coach. Match your love for brass with any of our degree programs while balancing your performance commitments and academics.

World Class Faculty & Award-Winning Ensembles

In addition to studying with master performers and teachers, you will also have the opportunity to perform in award-winning ensembles including orchestral, wind, choral, and jazz ensembles. Chamber music also plays a very important role in our students’ education. Students frequently perform in brass quintets, brass choir, and other wind chamber groups. View brass events.

Our Alumni Succeed

Graduates of the Mary Pappert School of Music can be seen performing in the nation’s top professional performing ensembles such the GRAMMY Award-winning Pittsburgh Symphony, Chicago Symphony, Metropolitan Opera, and various military bands in Washington, DC.

 

See Yourself Here

 
Two trumpet players playing while one gestures toward the other.

Undergrad Music Admissions

Our flexible curriculum empowers you to shape your own music pathway with your Faculty Advisor and Student Success Coach. Auditions are customized depending on your chosen degree and primary instrument. All fully admitted music majors are automatically considered for scholarships and awards. We are proud to offer highly competitive Undergraduate Audition and Enhancement Awards that can cover up to 100% of tuition.

A trombone student plays while a teacher points to music on a music stand.

Graduate Music Admissions

Match your love for brass with any of our degree programs while balancing your performance commitments and academics. Auditions are customized depending on your chosen degree and primary instrument. All fully admitted graduate students are automatically considered for scholarships and awards. We are proud to offer highly competitive Graduate Performance Awards and Assistantships that can cover up to 100% of tuition.

Questions About Studying Brass?

Contact the Brass Area Coordinator

Christopher Wilson

Adjunct Professor of Trumpet; Brass Area Coordinator

A person in a tuxedo holds trumpet in front of black background.

Trumpet Faculty

J.D. Chaisson

J.D. Chaisson

Adjunct Professor of Jazz Trumpet

Micah Wilkinson

Micah Wilkinson

Adjunct Professor of Trumpet

Christopher Wilson

Christopher Wilson

Adjunct Professor of Trumpet; Brass Area Coordinator

Horn Faculty

Mark Houghton

Mark Houghton

Adjunct Professor of Horn

Garrett Law

Garrett Law

Adjunct Professor of Horn

Trombone Faculty

Jeff Bush

Jeff Bush

Adjunct Professor of Jazz Trombone; Area Coordinator of Jazz Studies; Conductor of Jazz Workshop and Jazz Ensemble

James Nova

James Nova

Adjunct Professor of Trombone

Douglas Rosenthal

Douglas Rosenthal

Adjunct Professor of Trombone

Sebastian Vera

Sebastian Vera

Adjunct Professor of Trombone

Euphonium/Tuba Faculty

James Gourlay

James Gourlay

Director of Bands; Adjunct Professor of Euphonium; Adjunct Professor of Tuba

 

Upcoming Brass Events

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Uptown Jazz Series: Faculty & Friends - Tribute to Blue Note Records

Pre-concert Performance by DU Student Chamber Jazz Ensemble at 7:00 p.m.

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  • Mary Pappert School of Music
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Clarinettists perform.

Wind Ensembles

Dr. James Gourlay, Director of Bands

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  • Charles J. Dougherty Ballroom, Power Center
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A cellist smiles while performing.

Duquesne Symphony Orchestra

Daniel Meyer, Director of Orchestral Activities

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  • Charles J. Dougherty Ballroom, Power Center
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A saxophone player solos.

Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Workshop, and Jazz Vocal Ensemble

Jeff Bush

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  • Charles J. Dougherty Ballroom, Power Center
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Trombonists perform.

Music on the Mount: Brass Choir

Duquesne Brass Choir
Dr. James Gourlay, Director of Bands

Free Admission

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  • St. Mary of the Mount Parish, Mt. Washington
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