The CSBQ Brass Residency Program
Mission Statement
The CSBQ Brass Residency Program will accelerate the maturation of young people and supplement public school music programs by providing an in-depth experience performing and studying brass chamber music.
Purpose
As dedicated chamber musicians, the members of The Copper Street Brass Quintet believe firmly in the power of music education in our nation's schools. Our own experiences learning an elaborate and rewarding craft have taught us that chamber music is an invaluable resource for the young person to gain insight into both music and life.
The Minnesota Music Educators Association reports that since 2000, there has been a 6.5% decrease in public school music teachers in the state. Additionally, since the enactment of No Child Left Behind, arts education in the classroom has dropped a shocking 22% nationwide. Schools under tighter restrictions to meet national standards often cut music and other arts programs in favor of supporting core subjects such as math and science, when in fact music has been shown to be a valuable asset to students’ productivity in those fields. The CSBQ’s Brass Residency Program would be a much-needed complement to music educators looking for new ways to enhance the lives of their students and strengthen their programs.
Chamber music allows students to experience both performing as a soloist and as a member of a group. In a band program, many students find themselves lost in the crowd, sitting with several others who are playing the exact same part. In small ensembles where each part is different, each player must be responsible for their own music and is an equal contributor in the performance. This experience creates a sense of ownership and pride in a performance, knowing that each individual is vital to the success of the group. In addition, working together towards a common goal creates strong social connections between the members of each ensemble.
Band directors understand that private lessons help students meet their potential while strengthening the entire group. Lessons allows students to work intimately with professional musicians on their own instrument. The CSBQ Brass Residency Program brings professional instruction to more students in each band program by creating a one-to-five teacher/student ratio. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with a member of the group once a week for a coaching session, as well as perform in a joint recital at the end of the semester. Between coaching sessions the students are expected to organized and run their own rehearsals. This freedom allows young musicians to take responsibility for their own music making, an aspect that is meant to guide them in the direction of strong leadership and communication skills.
Middle and high school are key times for young adults to build an awareness of themselves and the world around them. Group activities such as band, athletics, and academic clubs provide unquestionable value to the lives of young people. The CSBQ Brass Residency Program will nurture each student’s musical skills, while instilling everyday values such as cooperation, leadership, individuality, and perseverance.
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