Brass Institute

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO), in collaboration with Miami University of Ohio, announced its inaugural Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute, directed by Associate Principal Trumpet for the CSO and Adjunct Professor of Trumpet at Miami University Doug Lindsay. The Institute will offer two intensive, high-level instruction programs for advanced brass players, led by musicians from the CSO brass section and Miami University brass faculty. The first Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute will take place June 6-13, 2022 at Miami University’s Oxford campus.

The High School Scholars Program, designed for advanced high school brass players, is a week-long intensive program for students looking to refine technique, elevate musicianship, network, and perform in the region. High school students who live in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and East Central Indiana are eligible to audition for the program. Selected students will work with their professional counterparts to practice the fundamentals of high-level brass playing while exploring the world of brass chamber music. In addition to training, students will be given the opportunity to participate in other enrichment activities, such as attending live rehearsals with the CSO.

The pre-professional Orchestral Training Fellowship, designed for brass players ages 18-28, will prepare musicians to audition for positions in major orchestras around the world. The fellowship will provide access to professional musicians, daily coaching sessions, mock auditions, masterclasses on a variety of audition and job retention topics, and ensemble performance opportunities in Oxford and Cincinnati-area venues.

“Our goal is to provide access to instruction at the highest level,” said Founder and Director of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute, Doug Lindsay. “For the High School Scholars Program, we want students of all backgrounds to have top-notch music opportunities. For the Orchestral Training Fellowship Program, we want fellows to leave with a clear idea of what it takes to obtain and retain a position in a major orchestra. This is how we prepare young players for success.”

Both the High School Scholars Program and Orchestral Training Fellowship are offered without cost to participants, to reduce socioeconomic barriers that may impact participation.

“This collaborative initiative with Miami University aligns with Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra’s mission to seek and share inspiration,” said President & CEO of the CSO, Jonathan Martin. “Through the Institute’s dedication to preparing the region’s finest high school brass players and the world’s finest young musicians for professional opportunities—regardless of socioeconomic status—we can continue to enrich Cincinnati’s cultural scene and foster the joy of music making through the generations.”

“We are honored to strengthen our longstanding relationship with the CSO through our joint work on the Brass Institute,” said Chair of Miami University’s Department of Music, Dr. Chris Tanner. “This new initiative connects Miami’s stellar brass faculty with talented young musicians, and we are happy to host participants from the region and abroad, provide opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds, and create an inclusive and welcoming community where they can learn from professionals who have achieved the highest standard of excellence.”

Applications for the 2022 Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute’s Orchestral Fellows Program and the High School Scholars Program are due February 1, 2022. In-person auditions for the High School Scholars Program will be by appointment. Video auditions for the Orchestral Fellows Program are due February 1, 2022. Additional information about the Brass Institute can be found at www.miamioh.edu/cincinnati-symphony-brass-institute.