SPANISH BRASS TEACHES MASTER CLASS AT BLINN COLLEGE

  

The internationally-acclaimed music group Spanish Brass recently taught a master class for Blinn College students and treated students to an impromptu performance at the J. Hal and Allyne Machat Music Facility on the Brenham campus.

Brass-playing music students even had the opportunity to play selected music in front of the group and each member of Spanish Brass divvied out tips to benefit each student. 

Spanish Brass – which consists of Carlos Beneto (trumpet), Juanjo Serna (trumpet), Manolo Perez (horn), Indalecio Bonet (trombone) and Sergio Finca (tuba) – is one of the most dynamic and admired brass groups on the international music scene and has participated in some of the most prestigious venues around the globe. The group had a concert in Bryan the following day.

“This is the third year that we have done something like this,” said Todd Quinlan, Division of Visual/Performing Arts & Kinesiology department head. “The kids got to learn about their own playing from professional chamber music players and received a demonstration as well.”

Approximately 10 students played under the watchful gaze of Spanish Brass.

“I was nervous and the exercise to control my breathing was tough, but I learned about individual techniques that will help,” said Brenden Paul of Houston.

Cristian Gonzalez, also from Houston, was the first student to perform in front of Spanish Brass and only had four days with the musical piece before playing it.

“I really like the tips they gave me to play my notes with more strength,” Gonzalez said.

Each member of Spanish Brass also teaches at the Berklee College of Music in Valenica, Spain.

High school students interested in the Blinn College Music Program should visit: www.blinn.edu/vpa/auditions.html.

Story and photo courtesy of Blinn College.