For the past ten summers, the Brass Ensemble Summer Training (B.E.S.T.) Program has offered brass musicians of all ages and abilities the opportunity to study and perform with members of the San Antonio Brass. Ensembles meet every Sunday afternoon from the Sunday after Father's Day through the end of July with a performance held on the last Sunday of July. Participants rehearse in one or more of five ensembles designed to suit the needs of any level of talent and experience.
- Young students are typically placed in the Beginning Ensemble or the Middle School Ensemble; these groups are designed to be accessible to players still developing basic technique and ensemble skills.
- The High School Ensemble challenges students with more developed skills to expand their horizons as they take on independent solo parts. This requires more responsibility than is typical in band.
- The University Ensemble is intended for college-level students who wish to explore the finer details of brass chamber music performance.
- The Gabrieli Ensemble is typically comprised of adult brass musicians; this group's main focus is the music of the Italian renaissance composer Giovanni Gabrieli.
Created and managed by Dr. John Carroll (principal trumpet of the San Antonio Symphony and Executive Director of the San Antonio Brass), BEST typically holds auditions in early June at Beacon Hill Presbyterian Church (101 Woodlawn, one block east of I-10). There is a (Voluntary) $25 application fee and a $50 program fee for all the sessions (scholarships are available). For information regarding this season, contact Dr. Carroll at 210.227.7707.
- Young students are typically placed in the Beginning Ensemble or the Middle School Ensemble; these groups are designed to be accessible to players still developing basic technique and ensemble skills.
- The High School Ensemble challenges students with more developed skills to expand their horizons as they take on independent solo parts. This requires more responsibility than is typical in band.
- The University Ensemble is intended for college-level students who wish to explore the finer details of brass chamber music performance.
- The Gabrieli Ensemble is typically comprised of adult brass musicians; this group's main focus is the music of the Italian renaissance composer Giovanni Gabrieli.
Created and managed by Dr. John Carroll (principal trumpet of the San Antonio Symphony and Executive Director of the San Antonio Brass), BEST typically holds auditions in early June at Beacon Hill Presbyterian Church (101 Woodlawn, one block east of I-10). There is a (Voluntary) $25 application fee and a $50 program fee for all the sessions (scholarships are available). For information regarding this season, contact Dr. Carroll at 210.227.7707.