Big Brass Blast Festival

Join the Orange Regional Conservatorium for a weekend of BRASS! Have an opportunity to collaborate with brass players in the region.
ORC are fortunate to welcome guests Bruce Hellmers, Rob Johnson, Phil Davis and Ed Diefes who will work with participants in workshops, masterclasses and open rehearsals.

The weekend will conclude with a BIG BRASS BLAST CONCERT featuring collaborations and solo performances from our guest artists and participants. 

Friday 20th October

6pm - 7pm | Meet and greet pizza dinner

7.15pm - 8.45pm | Big Brass Band Bash
Come and be a part of our BIG BRASS BAND! We will rehearse several pieces under the direction of Phil Rees, with an informal performance. Participants and observers welcome! 

Saturday 21st October

9.30-11am | Ensembles/classes in TRUMPET, TUBA & EUPHONIUM
11am - 12.30pm | Ensembles/classes in TROMBONE & HORN
Classes will include some ensemble playing, group work on technique and a brief masterclass (open lesson) if any participants have nominated to perform. Groups may perform in the Festival concert. Each class is lead by one of our visiting artists.

12.30 - 1.30pm | Low Brass Ensemble 
After our successful Low Brass Festival in 2022 we have this special feature in this year's Festival. This is a chance to be a part of an ensemble for all low brass instruments led by Phil Davis and Ed Diefes. Treble and bass clef parts will be available.

1.30 - 2pm | Orange Youth Orchestra workshop

2pm - 3pm | Beginner/intermediate ensemble/class in Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Tuba and Euphonium. Classes will include playing tips aimed at beginners or emerging intermediate level players as well as the chance to play together as a group. Groups may perform in the Festival concert. Each class is lead by one of our visiting artists. Participants will also have an opportunity to observe Orange Youth Orchestra rehearsal.

4.30pm - 6pm | Brass Ensemble rehearsal (ORC Brass Collective)
This rehearsal of our ORC Brass Collective is open to all advanced players. Come and enjoy some superb brass ensemble music, playing alongside our guest artists, led by Rob Johnson. Treble and bass clef parts will be available for low brass, and E flat parts for tenor horn players.

Sunday 22nd October

9.30am - 10.15am | ORC Brass Ensemble rehearsal 
This rehearsal of our ORC Brass Ensemble is open to all intermediate players. Come and have some fun playing some brass ensemble music, led by Phil Davis. Treble and bass clef parts will be available for low brass, and E flat parts for tenor horn players.

11am - 12.30pm | Festival Concert  
The Festival Concert will include solo performances and collaborations by our visiting artists, as well as a chance to hear our participants perform in a variety of ensembles. It promises to be a feast of inspiring brass playing and great entertainment.

*Beginner 1st/2nd Grade (1 - 2 years experience), Intermediate 3rd/4th/5th/6th Grade (approx 3 - 5 years experience), Advanced 6th Grade or above with experience playing in groups.