Low Brass Studio
The University of North Dakota Low Brass Studio provides students a complete music education that combines first-rate individual instruction with a variety of both large ensemble and chamber performance opportunities.
In addition to participating in nationally-renowned large ensembles, students are afforded numerous chamber and solo opportunities. The studio regularly participates in the International Peace Garden's Oktubafest and Grand Forks TubaChristmas. Additionally, studio members have participated in recent International Trombone Festivals and International Tuba Euphonium Conferences. Internationally acclaimed low brass artists regularly visit UND Music to perform recitals, teach masterclass, and present workshops.
Opportunities
Low brass students have the opportunity to perform in several UND Music Ensembles.
Small Ensembles
Trombone Choir
The UND Trombone Choir is comprised of a wide variety of trombonists that include University of North Dakota music majors (both undergraduate and graduate), as was as non-majors. Community participants include UND faculty and administration, public high school band directors, select high school students, members of the Greater Grand Forks Symphony Orchestra and military musicians.
In addition to performing regularly on the UND campus, the NDTC has performed at the North Dakota Music Educator’s Professional Conference, in concert with the UND Wind Ensemble, at the Winter WUNDerland Christmas Concert and at Grand Forks’ churches. This past year, they collaborate with the Manitoba Trombone Collective and the Brandon University Trombone Choir to present a recital in Winnipeg during International Trombone Week.
Trombone Octet
The Trombone Octet is a branch off from the North Dakota Trombone Choir. This is a group made of university students who are music majors as well as non-music majors. This group usually performs once in the fall and then again in the second half of the spring.Usually the group is made up of six tenor trombones and two bass trombones with one on a part.
Forks Quartet
The Forks Quartet is UND’s premier trombone quartet They perform diverse styles, including music from the baroque to the present, at Student Showcases as well as community events. To book an event with this group, please contact Dr. Pugh.
North Dakota Tuba Ensemble
The North Dakota Tuba Ensemble, created in 2009, is comprised of undergraduate and graduate students. The tuba ensemble performs the best of the repertoire for this medium, as well as lighter polkas and Christmas music. In addition to regular on campus recitals, the ensemble performs each year at the International Peace Garden’s Oktubafest, Grand Forks TubaChristmas, and has played recitals at neighboring universities.
Large Ensembles
- Wind Ensemble
- University Band
- Jazz Ensembles
- Pride of the North Athletic Bands
Professional Organizations
- The Low Brass Club provides unique opportunities to perform in smaller ensembles, thus supplementing a total musical experience. The club also offers leadership roles within the club and the ensembles.
- International Trombone Association
- International Tuba/Euphonium Association
Low Brass Events
International Trombone Festival
The International Trombone Festival (ITF) is the world’s largest annual trombone festival. Visit the International Trombone Association webpage for more information.
International Tuba/Euphonium Conference
Visit the International Tuba/Euphonium Association webpage for more information.
TubaChristmas
Tuba and euphonium players from the area are invited to participate in Grand Forks TUBACHRISTMAS concert.
Guest Artists
Numerous internationally acclaimed low brass artists have recently visited the UND campus.
Trombone
- Ryan Christianson, Dallas Brass
- Dr. Mike Hall, Old Dominion University
- Scott Hartman, Yale School of Music
- Dr. Eric High, Associate professor of music St. Norbert College, Bass and Contrabass trombonist
- Melvyn Jerginan, St. Louis Brass
- Michael Levine, Dallas Brass
- Professor Curtis Olson, Professor Emeritus, Michigan State University
- Dr. Ken Shiffrin, Internationally renowned alto trombone soloist;
- Dr. Thomas Zugger, Capital University
Euphonium
- Dr. Brian Bowman, University of North Texas
- Dr. Marcus Dickman, University of North Florida
- Dr. Adam Frey, International Euphonium Soloist
Tuba
- Øystein Baadsvik, Internally renowned tuba soloist
- Marty Erickson, Retired United States Navy Band, Lawrence University
- Professor Daniel Perantoni, Indiana University
- Dr. Kenyon Wilson, University of Tennessee, Chattanooga
- Dr. Jerry Young, University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire
- Dr. Joseph Skillen, Louisiana State University
Brass Ensembles
- Dallas Brass
- St Louis Brass Quintet
Other Guests
- Composer Eric Ewazen
Would you like to learn more about the UND Low Brass Studio?
Do you have questions about opportunities at UND? Would you like a lesson with Dr. Pugh, either in person or via Zoom? Please be in touch!
- joel.pugh@UND.edu
- 701.777.2718
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Hughes Fine Arts Center Room 146
Grand Forks ND 58202-7125