2008 IPS for Brass Seminar

with Patrick Sheridan and Sam Pilafian

June 16-21, 2008

About the Seminar
The Institute for Performance Success for Brass is a 6 day intensive event co-directed by Patrick Sheridan and Sam Pilafian. The seminar will take place in Phoenix, Arizona. Eight to twelve of the finest tuba, euphonium and trombone players will participate in daily group practice sessions, masterclasses and special topic lectures. The goal is to elevate the technical and musical mastery of the tuba, euphonium and trombone to the highest level.

The seminar will also provide an inside look at two of the brass world’s most prominent entrepreneurs’ careers and a proven methodology for instrumental improvement. Ample discussion opportunities related to all issues addressed at the seminar are also scheduled at meals and planned social sessions. The seminar also aims to provide a connection to a network of talented young performers who will serve as the participants' colleagues over the course of their careers.

Enrollment
All prospective participants must send an application form by May 1st, 2008.  Download an application here.
 
Please send application material to:

Patrick Sheridan
1866 W. Orchid Lane
Chandler, AZ 85224

All registrations will be confirmed by mail or phone on or before May 15, 2008.  At that time, a $100 non-refundable deposit must be sent by May 31, 2008 in order to secure a place in the seminar. This deposit will be credited to the tuition total.

Fees
Tuition for the seminar is $950. This will cover all instruction and course material. A deposit is due for $100 by May 31, 2008. The remainder of the tuition is due upon arrival at the seminar.

Travel and Accommodation
All travel and hotel expenses are the responsibility of the participant.

Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is the recommended airport for arrival. Most major airlines provide excellent connections to Phoenix.

An excellent mini-suite style hotel accommodation will be available close to the seminar site.

Participants will be met at the airport and transported to their selected accommodation. Arrival is required on or before the Sunday prior to the Monday seminar start date.

All transportation between accommodations and the seminar site will be provided. Most of the seminar will take place at either Patrick Sheridan's home studio or Arizona State University.

Meals
Most of the meals will be the responsibility of the participant. However, part of the tuition covers several group events which will include food and beverage!

Leisure Activity
Although the seminar schedule is quite busy, there will be some time for leisure. Participants are encouraged to bring a swimsuit. Arizona is hot in the summer and swimming at the seminar site will provide a great relaxant for our chops and souls!!!

Sample Daily Schedule
8am - 12pm     Group Warm-Up and Chop Training regimen
12pm - 1pm     Lunch
1pm - 5pm       Masterclass led by Patrick Sheridan and Sam Pilafian
5pm - 7pm       Dinner and Leisure Break
7pm - 8:30pm  Special Topics lead by Sam Pilafian

Detail: The morning session will be lead by Patrick Sheridan. This holistic approach of virtuosity in music will be a group practice session.

It is an extensive routine that incorporates aspects of tone production, lip flexibility, finger dexterity, articulation studies for clarity and velocity, range building and breathing virtuosity. The group dynamic will add the necessary elements of intonation, ensemble and time to the process.

The session will run for 4 hours (with periodic breaks) and will teach participants a methodology for long term improvement in all aspects of instrumental performance.

The afternoon masterclasses will be lead by both Patrick Sheridan and Sam Pilafian. Each participant will be afforded the opportunity to perform every day to receive one-on-one attention to instrumental and musicianship issues. Literature can be solos, excerpts or etudes. A pianist will be available to assist on accompanied selections.

The evening sessions will be lead by Sam Pilafian. Topics will include career development, improvisation, scale workouts, and groove class.

Leisure time will be self directed. However, group activities will be planned (optional) and will afford time for further discussion of all topics.

This will be an intense experience! However, every effort will be made to make the experience an enjoyable one!!