2024 Brass Clinic & Soloist Scholarship

Advance your skills as a high school or college brass player in a free, one-day clinic with Maryland’s finest Brass Band and its guest artists on June 15, 2024. Perform with them in concert the next day. Ambitious students can also compete for scholarship funds by submitting a solo recording, attending the clinic, and performing the work with the band. Here are the details on both opportunities: the clinic & the scholarship competition.

The brass clinic

The brass clinic and concert take place over one weekend: June 15 & 16, 2024. 

At the clinic on June 15, you will join in a rehearsal and performance workshop with The Rockville Brass Band and its guest artists. Its members are great performers and great company. This is Maryland's oldest brass band, and a recipient of national awards. Its members are former military band professionals, music teachers, and serious amateurs. Between rehearsal sessions with the band, you’ll join our members in a workshop designed to hone your techniques and artistry. Leading the workshops for low and high brass are our guest artists, profiled below.

On June 16, you will join us in a concert performance at 2pm, at the Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center in Rockville, MD.

Join the brass clinic by submitting the registration form by May 15 (use this link or the QR code below). To apply, you must meet these criteria: (1) you play trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium/baritone, or tuba; and (2) you are a rising high school junior or senior in a Maryland, Virginia, or DC public or private school or you will be an undergraduate student in Fall 2024 in the same three states. There is no fee for application or attendance.

Members of the public may observe the clinic, but must submit the registration form by May 15 (use this link or the QR code below). 

If you have questions about the event, please email president@rockvillebrassband.org.

The scholarship and solo competition

Students who apply for the clinic are eligible to enter a solo competition for scholarship funds. The high school and undergraduate soloists who place first will each win a $1,000 scholarship. The two who place second will each win a $500 scholarship. Winners may have the opportunity to perform with the Rockville Brass Band. 

To apply for the solo competition and scholarship award, you must meet the criteria for the brass clinic (above); (3) commit to attending the clinic and its concert; and (4) submit a recording of a solo performance. Please submit the registration form by May 15 and submit a $20 application fee as the form explains. (Use this link or the QR code below).

Your solo recording should be a 2-5 minute video with or without accompanist. Rising High School juniors and seniors may choose a solo or excerpt freely from the repertoire. Undergraduates should submit a recording of a movement from a concerto or a sonata. Please select work at a level of difficulty that represents your skill. Send a link to your video to president@rockvillebrassband.org no later than May 15. The Rockville Brass Band Music Director and principal chairs will judge the solo recordings. The Music Director will announce the winning high school and college soloists at the clinic. Winning soloists and leadership of the Rockville Brass Band may make arrangements for a concert featuring one or both soloists if that is agreeable to all, and a convenient concert date can be set.

Guest artists

Two artists will lead the June 15 clinic, along with the Band’s music director, and perform at the June 16 concert.