The Brass Ensemble

The Mt. San Antonio College Brass Ensemble is a dynamic chamber group that performs everything from Bach to blues, combining artistic excellence with energy, collaboration, and fun. The ensemble focuses on developing strong chamber music skills through challenging repertoire, teamwork, musical communication, and stylistic versatility, while celebrating everything that makes the brass family uniquely powerful and expressive.

Brass Ensemble is an excellent opportunity for students looking to refine their playing in a focused, like-instrument environment where every player contributes as both an individual musician and part of a close-knit team. Rehearsals are engaging, supportive, and designed to help students grow as confident performers while building friendships and unforgettable musical experiences along the way.

In 2026, the Mt. SAC Brass Ensemble was invited to perform at the International Trombone Festival in Riga, becoming the only community college ensemble selected for this honor. Under the direction of Karen Marston, the ensemble performs both on and off campus each semester and rehearses Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m.–12:55 p.m. Students with previous brass experience are encouraged to audition, and participation is open to both music and non-music majors.

MUS 57  Brass Ensemble

1 Unit (Degree Applicable, CSU, UC)
(May be taken four times for credit)
Lab: 54
Prerequisite: Admission by audition

Study, rehearsal, and public performance of literature appropriate to brass ensembles and brass chamber music, with an emphasis on the development of skills needed to perform within this type of specialized ensemble, and the individual and ensemble techniques relevant to the instruments of the brass family (trumpet, trombone, French horn, euphonium, and/or tuba). Different repertoires will be studied each semester. The course is repeatable for credit the maximum times allowable by regulation. Audition required.

For additional information, contact Dr. Karen Marston