ETSU Brass Day 2025
February 22, 2025
with special guests
Since 2018 Gateways Brass Collective has presented dynamic performances and inspirational
educational programs to audiences of all ages and backgrounds throughout the US. Members
of the Gateways Brass Collective include Courtney Jones and Herbert Smith, trumpet;
Larry Williams, horn; Isrea Butler, trombone; and Jerome Stover, tuba.
A Resident Ensemble of the Gateways Music Festival, whose mission is to support and connect professional classical musicians of African descent and enlighten and inspire communities through the power of performance, GBC has been featured in concerts and festivals across the US including: Ravinia Festival, The Midwest Clinic, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Eastman School of Music, The NAMM Show, International Trombone Festival, HBCU National Band Directors Symposium, Dame Myra Hess Concert Series, El Sistema National Symposium, and the Conn-Selmer Institute.
Members of the Gateways Brass Collective have performed with the Baltimore Symphony, Boston Symphony, Chicago Symphony, Detroit Symphony, New World Symphony Orchestra, Rochester Philharmonic, and San Francisco Symphony, among others.
Equally fluent in jazz, and contemporary music, members of the GBC have performed with the Count Basie Orchestra, Frank Sinatra, Arturo Sandoval, Ray Charles, Mingus Big Band, Cab Calloway Orchestra, Duke Ellington Orchestra, Earth Wind & Fire, The Roots, and others.
Gateways Brass Collective musicians are also deeply committed music educators whose passion for performing is matched by their dedication to teach, mentor, and inspire the next generation of music lovers through workshops, masterclasses, residencies, and other educational programs.
Brass Day 2025 is FREE - online registration has closed, but you can register in person on Saturday!
Schedule of Events
| Time |
Event | Location (All Events are in the Martin Center) |
| Noon | Check-in | Tindall Lobby in the ETSU Martin Center |
| 12:30 | Welcome | Powell Recital Hall |
| 12:45 | Group Warmups with ETSU Brass Faculty | Trumpet - Powell Recital Hall Horn - Choral Room Trombone - Instrumental Room Tuba/Euphonium - ETSU Foundation Grand Hall |
| 1:15 | Instrument-Specific Masterclass with Gateways Brass Collective | see above |
| 2:15 | Chamber Music Coaching* with GBC | Powell Recital Hall |
| 3:15 | Mass Participant Brass Ensemble Rehearsal | ETSU Foundation Grand Hall |
| 4:15 | Gateways Brass Collective Roundtable* | Powell Recital Hall |
| 5:15 | Exhibits | Martin Center Instrumental Room and Choral Room |
| 6:00 | Dinner, provided | Mathes Hall 107 |
| 7:30 | Finale Concert | ETSU Foundation Grand Hall |
*Participants are welcome to visit the vendors during this time.
Hosted by the ETSU Brass Faculty:
Brett Long and Sarah Fellenbaum, trumpet
Elliott Stanger, horn
Justin Waller, trombone
Steph Frye-Clark, tuba & euphonium
Sponsored by:
Questions? Contact Dr. Steph Frye-Clark fryesn@etsu.edu or (423) 439-4394