Brass Seminars
Brass Seminars Overview
On select Wednesday evenings throughout the year, GTCYS brass players will attend Brass Seminar to refine their brass skills and musicianship. These seminars will:
- Build camaraderie and community among the brass players from all of GTCYS’ orchestras
- Create mentorship opportunities between beginning through advanced brass players
- Develop techniques and positive habits for practicing
- Provide more individualized instruction to help you prepare your orchestra parts
Schedule
Please add these classes to your GTCYS time commitment. All classes will be from 7:00pm-8:15pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis. Parking: Free parking is available in the church ramp accessible from Alice Rainville Place. Follow the signs to the rehearsal room upon arrival.
- September 25
- October 16
- November 20
- January 22
- February 19
- March 12
- April 9
Online Calendar
Teachers
Tubist Jason Tanksley is a dynamic tubist, performer, and educator based in Minnesota. Currently serving as the Instructor of Tuba at St. Olaf College, he has dedicated his career to both high-level performance and the mentorship of emerging musicians. At the heart of his work is a deep belief that classical music is for everyone —a philosophy that drives both his performances and his teaching. Through his artistry, he strives to create welcoming, inclusive spaces where music can connect and inspire As an educator, Jason has shared his expertise through masterclasses at institutions such as Wright State University, the University of Minnesota, the University of Missouri-Kansas City, the National Costa Rican Institute of Music, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of musicians, helping them find their artistic voices while pushing the boundaries of what the tuba can do. Above all, he hopes to foster an environment where all students—regardless of background—feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to grow as musicians and individuals. Jason earned his Master of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with Yasuhito Sugiyama, and his undergraduate degree from Wayne State University under Dennis Nulty.
Trumpeter Dr. Erika Izaguirre is the Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Director of the Jazz Ensemble at Concordia College. Erika leads an active career as a solo performer, teacher, and clinician. As an international soloist, she maintains a dynamic schedule with an upcoming tour performing throughout Spain with the Athena Brass Band. Erika has commissioned and premiered works in Minnesota, New York, and abroad by composers Marcus Grant, John Wallace, Jorge Bennett, Dr. Daniel Breedon, and Sean William Calhoun. She is also actively involved in consortiums such as a solo piece for trumpet and electronics by Dr. Whitney George, an unaccompanied work by Dr. Roy Magnusson to bring awareness to gun violence, a brass ensemble work by Katahj Copley, and a brass quintet piece by Madison Anglin. She earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music. Currently, Erika is focused on helping young musicians and composers from underrepresented communities by elevating their voices and providing resources.