Paul Bryan, Director & Conductor
Barry McCommon, Associate Conductor
Robert Skoniczin, Associate Conductor
Alex Gittelman, Trumpet Faculty
Karen Schubert, Horn Faculty
Brian Brown, Tuba Faculty

Bravo Brass is the only year-round student brass ensemble in the Philadelphia area. The program offers student brass players the opportunity to build their technical capabilities and musicianship through fun and challenging repertoire. Weekly rehearsals include group lessons and master classes with Bravo Brass faculty members. The ensemble’s alumni include prominent performers, educators, and leaders in Philadelphia and across the country. Bravo Brass, now in its twenty-ninth season, is led by Paul Bryan, who serves as a faculty member at West Chester University’s Wells School of Music, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Curtis Institute of Music

Location: Saint Patrick Hall (240 South 20th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103)

Schedule: Mondays, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (mid-September – early June)

Open to: Brass players (trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba)

Ages: 12 – 22 *College students may be eligible for free tuition

Audition Here Upcoming Performances Open Rehearsals

Why Join Bravo Brass?

• Members learn from top professional brass musicians, performing unique brass ensemble repertoire. Members build technical capabilities and musicianship through fun and challenging repertoire as well as group lessons and master classes with Bravo Brass faculty and guest artists. 
• Students have the opportunity to strengthen college and conservatory applications. Schools look for well-rounded students who invest in learning outside academic classrooms, and Bravo Brass is an excellent option as an extra-curricular musical activity. Bravo Brass alumni are accepted into top universities, colleges, and conservatories worldwide. 
• Bravo Brass students have access to exclusive PYO Music Institute resources, including audition preparation, community music events, discounted or free concert tickets from PYOMI’s community partners, the Master Class & Advanced Orchestral Training Program, which supports their musical growth and provides future opportunities. 
• Members develop core ensemble skills like active listening, blending, and musical discipline through professional coaching with expert faculty and conductors.

How to Join: Auditions & Enrollment

Join Today!

Bravo Brass supports rolling admission. While we are accepting auditions for all brass instruments, Bravo Brass is actively seeking French horn and trombone students. 

Audition Requirements:

High school & college-aged players:

1. One solo piece or two contrasting etudes of your choice.
2. Required orchestral excerpts (specific to each instrument)

Middle school players:

1. One solo piece
2. Two contrasting etudes, or selections from current ensemble music of your choice that demonstrate your playing level

Download Audition Excerpts:

French Horn (PDF) Trumpet (PDF) Trombone (PDF) Euphonium (PDF) Tuba (PDF)