Summer Brass Academy | WVU College of Creative Arts and Media

This week-long brass camp is designed to help young brass musicians develop technical ability, interpretive skills, and increase their understanding of a variety of genres and musical styles through masterclasses, lessons with faculty, and chamber music ensembles.

The West Virginia University Summer Brass Academy will be held June 9-13, 2025. Students will be instructed by WVU Brass Faculty and guest artist Sebastian Vera (Principal Trombone of the Pittsburgh Opera and Faculty at Duquesne University). Student participants will gain insight into music entrepreneurship, pedagogy, wellness and self-care, and obtain experience in chamber music ensembles. Students may stay overnight on campus or commute in daily.

The Summer Brass Academy is for students completing grades 8-12 with a recommended minimum of 3 years playing experience.

Enrollment Deadline (housing/meals):

Monday, May 26, 2025

Enrollment Deadline (commuters):

Monday, June 2, 2025

Registration

Cost

Commuter: $425
- No housing/meals included.
Meals/Housing Participant: $780
- Tuition $425
- Housing and Meals $355: Pay directly through the CCAM Box Office online.
  - Double occupancy housing at Oakland Hall (Monday-Thursday nights) and all meals at Café Evansdale on the WVU campus (Monday-Friday). Meals are “all you can eat” cafeteria-style services with a salad bar, self-serve beverage and dessert bars.
  - The housing fee provides sheets, a blanket, pillow, two bath towels, one washcloth, shampoo, and soap for students. Rooms are serviced daily, Monday through Friday.
  - A parking pass can be purchased for an additional $10.

Brass Academy Faculty

Featured Guest Artist & Faculty

Sebastian Vera, Trombone

WVU Brass Faculty

Sample Daily Schedule

9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Stretch/Breathe Session**

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Individual Instrument Warm up Session**

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Large Brass Ensemble Rehearsal

12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Lunch

1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Recitals/Performances/Masterclasses: Students/Faculty

2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Chamber Music Ensembles Rehearsal

2:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Individual Practice/Lessons***

4:15 p.m. – 5 p.m. Special Topics Session

5 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Dinner

7:00 p.m. Night Activities

10:00 p.m. Lights out

**The schedule on Monday, June 9th will be altered slightly to accommodate those who are traveling to attend the camp. As such, check-in on 6/9 will occur between 8-9:30 am. The first scheduled activity will begin at 10 am.
***The camp will conclude on Friday, June 13th with a performance at 3 pm. Parents and/or guardians are to pick up participants at 4 pm in the Canady Creative Arts Center lobby (1 Fine Arts Dr, Morgantown, WV 26506). Additional information will be sent directly to camp participants on Monday, June 5th.

Scholarship and Financial Aid Assistance

For general questions about the camp, inquiries about scholarship and need-based assistance please contact Dr. Robert Sears at robert.sears@mail.wvu.edu. Additionally, please fill out the following scholarship and financial aid assistance application for scholarship and financial aid consideration.

Feedback

Students, parents, and/or guardians that participated in the Summer Brass Academy are invited to share their feedback with us by completing this short survey. We value your feedback as we continually work to improve all aspects of the camp.