Women in Music Symposium scheduled for January 17-18 at Converse
The internationally renowned Monarch Brass Quintet will headline the third annual Women in Music Symposium at Converse College January 17-18. The symposium will feature masterclasses, brass ensemble coachings, seminars, and recitals-all led by the Monarch Brass Quintet.
“This symposium is an ideal opportunity for young musicians who are interested in further developing their love of music to meet and work with some of the world’s premier brass musicians,” said Paul G. Davis, assistant director of music education and director of bands at Converse. “It is especially exciting for us to host them on the Converse campus as all of the performers are women.”
The Monarch Brass Quintet is comprised of five extraordinarily accomplished musicians who have performed throughout the world as they educate audiences about music, especially music written by women composers. The members also hold teaching positions at universities and conservatories across the country.
Marie Speiziale, retired associate principle trumpet of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and former president of the International Women’s Brass Conference, is now professor of music at the Indiana University School of Music and adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Stacy Simpson is currently acting third trumpet of the Louisville Symphony Orchestra. Horn player Laurel Ohlson is associate principal of the National Symphony Orchestra and also a member of the Capitol Woodwind Quintet and the Eclipse Chamber Orchestra.Trombone player Jeannie Little is professor of trombone at James Madison University and is a member of the Madison Brass Quintet and Skyline Brass. Tuba player Velvet Brown, professor of music at Bowling Green University, also serves as principal tuba of the New Hampshire Music Festival Orchestra.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, January 17
10 a.m. Opening Session – Meet the Monarch Brass (Daniel Recital Hall). 10:30 a.m. Masterclasses for all Brass Instruments (Blackman Music Building) 8 p.m. Recital by the Monarch Brass (Daniel Recital Hall)
Friday, January 18
10 a.m. Brass Ensemble Coachings by the Monarch Brass Quintet (Daniel Recital Hall)
12 p.m. Lunch and Panel Discussion with the Monarch Brass Quintet
8 p.m. Converse Wind Ensemble with the Monarch Brass Quintet in concert (Twichell Auditorium)
**All events are open to the general public. There is no admission charge for the Monarch Brass Quintet Recital on January 17. Admission for the Converse Wind Ensemble concert on January 18 is $5 for adults and $2 for students. Fee to be a participant in the Masterclass sessions is $15. Fee for the Brass Ensemble Coachings is $30 per group. Space for participants in the Masterclasses and the Brass Ensemble Coachings is limited. Fees must be paid by January 7. For information on applying to participate in masterclasses or brass ensemble coachings, please call 864-596-9121.