Overview

Who We Are
Minnesota Brass is an independent, all-ages drum and bugle corps based in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Like all drum corps, our ensemble is comprised of three distinct sections:  the hornline (trumpets, mellophones, baritones, euphoniums and tubas); the percussion (snares, tenors, basses, cymbals and the frontline ensemble of keyboard and auxiliary percussion) and the color guard (dancers, flags, rifles and sabres).  Together these sections create an entertaining show of music and motion which we perform at competitions, exhibitions and parades throughout the summer.

The corps is one of the premiere all-ages drum corps in the country.  In 2011, Minnesota Brass won its first World Championship.  Between 2010 and 2008 the corps was the DCA Silver medalist.  The corps has won several caption (or section) awards including:  DCA Horn Champions in 2010 and 2011, DCA Percussion Champions in 2010, 2004 and 2003, DCA Frontline Champions in 2001, 2004 and 2005 and DCA Color Guard champions in 2011.

► Members
Our members come from all walks of life.  As an all-age drum and bugle corps our membership ranges in age from 18 to 60.  The single largest group of performers are those in their 20's.  While we do not have a minimum age, we do require that parents be actively involved with the corps for any members under the age of 18.  Most members have at least some previous experience in a marching band or drum corps.

If you've ever been in a marching band, performing group, or sports team, you may start to understand the camaraderie of drum and bugle corps.  Minnesota Brass is unique in that it doesn't last for only a few years of your life. It can become a part of your life, your second family, and the friendships you can make endure because the organization will always be here to welcome you back as an active member or alum.
 

► Time Commitment

Being a part of Minnesota Brass requires a significant time commitment.  Consistent attendance at rehearsals and individual practice is needed to excel, but be assured that you will be rewarded with new friends, memories, and screaming fans.  

Wednesday evening rehearsals start in January and continue every week until Labor Day.  Full weekend show camps are held once a month between January and April.  During the summer months (May – August), the corps rehearses and performs most weekends although there is at least one full weekend a month off.  See the ‘schedule’ tab for an example of our full schedule.

► Performances

We perform in 18-20 performances each summer, comprised of parades and DCA- and DCI-sponsored field shows. Most events are in the greater Twin Cities area, with one or two long-distance trips taking the corps to venues in Indiana, Ohio, or New York. The season culminates with DCA World Championships.  In 2012 the World Championships will be held in Annapolis Maryland.

FAQ's

What instruments does the corps play?

Drum and bugle corps instruments:

Hornline - trumpets, mellophones, baritones, euphoniums and tubas;

Battery - snares, tenor drums, bass drums and cymbals;

Frontline - keyboards, auxiliary percussion, tympani and drum set

What if I do not play a corps instrument?

In order to be successful as a musician within the corps, it is important to have experience playing a brass or percussion instrument.  If you have experience on other instruments, we recommend you study privately prior to the start of the season in order to prepare for rehearsals.  Feel free to contact us directly for more information.

Do I have to provide my own instrument or equipment?

No, the corps provides all the instruments and equipment.  Minnesota Brass uses Dynasty equipment exclusively. 

How does the corps get to rehearsals and performances?

Members drive to rehearsals and performances in and around the Twin Cities. The corps provides coach buses for more distant out-of-state competitions. 

What if I don't have a car? 

Members are responsible for providing transportation to and from rehearsals, however we're happy to help you find arrangements!  Carpooling among members is common.

I don’t live in Minnesota.  Can I still join?

Each season we have a handful of members who participate in the corps from out of town.  Our expectations of out of town members usually involve consistent attendance for all camps and weekend rehearsals as well as individual practice time to make up for Wednesday night rehearsals.  We’re happy to speak with you about how this might work for your unique circumstances.

How much travel is involved?

Minnesota Brass rehearses in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, and most performances are within a short driving distance. In recent seasons the corps has had four overnight trips a year: two trips are generally within 6-8 hours distance from the Twin Cities and two trips have been to the East Coast (Pennsylvania/New York). Travel commitments are made early in the season to provide members plenty of time to plan ahead.

Can I still have a social life?

Of course!  Minnesota Brass is a wonderful place to meet people and develop friendships. The time bite is considerably smaller than that of many of our competitors. During the winter (January-April) we rehearse Wednesday evenings and about one Saturday each month. During the summer (May-Labor Day) we continue the weekly evening rehearsal, and have one weekend free each month. Friends in Minnesota Brass get together for social outings outside of corps rehearsals throughout the year.  

Am I too old/young to join?

As an all-age drum and bugle corps our membership ranges in age from 18 to 60-something.  The single largest group of performers are those in their 20's.  While we do not have a minimum age, we do require that parents be actively involved with the corps for any members under the age of 18.  Most members have at least some previous experience in a marching band or drum corps.  There is no upper age limit to participation in Minnesota Brass.

We have had several instances of parents and their sons or daughters as well as brothers and sisters performing together on the field.

What is the show in 2012? 

Wouldn't you like to know!  We'll post our show announcement in all the usual places (website, facebook, etc.) once it is publicly announced.  Stay tuned! 

How much does it cost?

In 2010, dues for Minnesota Brass were $450. This provided members with their uniform, instruction, equipment, some meals while travelling/at camps and transportation/lodging for our overnight trips. Members also incur expenses for personal equipment (shoes, gloves, makeup) and incidentals (food) during overnight trips.

What if I haven't marched in a long time?

We provide training during the winter on marching style and movement. There is ample time to develop confidence in marching and playing. For additional assistance, your visual instructors and section leader can help you at any time.

What if I have a conflict with the schedule?

Members are expected to commit to the entire rehearsal and performance schedule, but of course, important family, school, or career events do occur. In the winter, our staff works with members to root out conflicts. We must be aware of conflicts early to plan effectively.

What is DCA? 

Drum Corp Associates (DCA) is the organization that governs all-age drum corps.  DCI (Drum Corps International) is DCA’s counterpart for junior drum and bugle corps.  DCA sanctions all-age competitions, and holds the national championships.

How is Minnesota Brass different from a DCI corps?

Minnesota Brass has a great relationship with Drum Corps International (DCI) and several of its member corps. Each year, we are excited that many of our members go on to successfully audition for DCI corps. Nearly all of our instructional staff have also served on the staff of DCI corps or marched with DCI corps.  The differences between those corps and Minnesota Brass are: 

Age: As an all-age corps, we accept performing members of any age. DCI corps membership is made up of youth, with an upper age limit of 21. 

Time Commitment: DCI corps spend 8-12 weeks on tour, performing and rehearsing nearly every day. It's a fantastic experience, but it doesn't always work for everyone. An all-age corps like Minnesota Brass is part-time which means members can still hold a job during the summer while enjoying a great drum corps experience. 

Cost: Participating in an all-age corps is substantially less expensive than in a DCI corps. MBI's dues are 1/3 (or less!) of the dues charged by touring DCI corps. 

Who runs the corps?

The performing ensembles of Minnesota Brass are managed by Minnesota Brass Incorporated, an independent nonprofit corporation. The corporation is governed by the Board of Directors who in turn hire the Administrative Staff to manage the day to day operations of the performing units.

The Administrative team consists of our Corporate CEO (Gavin Burnham), our Executive Director (Eric Molho) and our Chief Financial Officer (Dave Whitaker).  

What if I have more questions?

We look forward to chatting with you; please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

When/where can I get an audition packet?

See the “Auditions/Joining” tab for more information about our audition process and packet.

What should I be working on in preparation for the upcoming season?

Prepare as you would for any other audition.  Rehearse a wide range of basic technique exercises through a variety of tempos using a metronome.  And don’t forget:  movement is an important aspect of what we do (not just in the colorguard) so cardio or strength exercises would be helpful.

Don't forget to RSVP for Membership Night on January 4th, 2012

Auditions & Joining

Each section of the corps strives to find highly committed, talented individuals to become members.  Although the actual audition process varies from section to section, there are some things we seek in every new member to the corps.  Among these are a great attitude and a willingness to learn.  

We do not have a formal audition for which you prepare a single audition piece or display your talent.  Rather, we take a few weeks in January to evaluate your skills, commitment and attitude.  Of course, you’ll be evaluating the corps at the same time to make sure this is the right place for you.  You get a feel for the people and the organization, and we learn about you. You look to see if we have what you're looking for. We look to you for commitment, attitude, and skill.  Each section has different criteria and timelines.

In 2012, our membership night is scheduled for Wednesday, January 4.  This is a whirlwind evening that includes information about the corps, opportunities to meet some great new friends and, of course, a chance to march and play!  Please come prepared to do your thing:  for horn players and drummers this means you’ll be playing your instrument and marching.  For color guard members, this means you’ll be stretching, spinning and dancing.  Everyone should dress appropriately.  Although not required, you may wish to bring your own mouth piece or drum sticks.  All other equipment will be provided.

To help you prepare for membership night, our staff has prepared the following exercises and recommendations:

High Brass Audition Packet

Bari - Euphonium Audition Packet

Tuba Audition Packet

Color Guard Audition Packet

Don't forget to RSVP for Membership Night on January 4th, 2012

Schedule

Being a part of Minnesota Brass requires a significant time commitment. Consistent attendance at rehearsals and individual practice is needed to excel but be assured that you will be rewarded with new friends, life-long memories and screaming fans.  

► Wednesday Evening Rehearsals start in January and continue every week until Labor Day. 

► Full Weekend Show Camps are held about once a month between January and April. 

► Summer Months (May–August) the corps rehearses and performs most weekends although there will be at least one full weekend a month off.

► Other: Each year our specific parades, travel and performances change.  

There’s no question that we ask a lot of each other. Being a part of a world class drum corps means many hours of hard work and rehearsal. It also means the opportunity to make lifelong friends, compete at new levels of excellence and achieve new heights as a performer. One of the great things about Minnesota Brass is that we’ve been around for 65 years and we fully intend to be around for the next 65! As you evaluate your plans and your goals, know that, even if you aren’t able to be a part of us in 2012, we’d still love to keep in touch for future seasons as well.

Don't forget to RSVP for Membership Night on January 4th, 2012

Dues & Fees

Keeping dues reasonable for marching members is a high priority for the administrative team and the Board of Directors. MBI has some of the lowest dues in our activity.  Marching in the corps during the summer is also less expensive than many winter drumlines and color guards in Minnesota. Your dues cover a number of expenses including:

• Professional instruction
• Rehearsal facilities
• Meals provided at most camps, several trips (including rehearsals during east coast trips)
• Your uniform (hat, jacket, pants, plume, gloves)
• New flags and guard uniforms every year
• Show sticks/mallets
• Transportation to four out of town weekends
• Hotel accommodations at DCA Championships in Annapolis, Maryland

Dues actually only cover about a third of the expenses the corps incurs each summer.  

In addition to your dues, there are other expenses you may want to plan for as the summer approaches. These include:

• Corps jackets 
• Shoes (matching black shoes for Horns and Drums, and dance shoes for Guard)
• Additional gloves
• Most meals on trips
• Caps (for tuba players)
• Gas to rehearsals and local performances
• Optional housing (if you prefer less than 4 to a room or staying in a hotel for gym-stay trips)
• Optional travel expenses (if you prefer to fly or drive on your own rather than take the bus)

We strive to make sure that finances are never a barrier to participation in the corps. Dues are usually paid on installments throughout the winter. Some fundraisers, including working at local stadiums such as Target Field or the Metrodome provide an alternative route for members to pay off their dues. We also have additional fundraising resources to help members meet their financial commitment.  

Don't forget to RSVP for Membership Night on January 4th, 2012

Membership Night

Membership night 2012 is scheduled for Wednesday, January 4. This is a whirlwind evening that includes information about the corps, opportunities to meet some great new friends and, of course, a chance to march and play! Please come prepared to do your thing:  for horn players and drummers this means you’ll be playing your instrument and marching. For color guard members, this means you’ll be stretching, spinning and dancing. Everyone should dress appropriately. Although not required, you may wish to bring your own mouth piece or drum sticks. All other equipment will be provided.

6:00pm-10:00pm
Wise Charter School
1501 Aldrich Ave N.
Minneapolis

Rehearsal Location Map

See the “Auditions & Joining” tab for information on how to best prepare for Membership Night

Don't forget to RSVP for Membership Night on January 4th, 2012

Design & Admin Staff

Minnesota Brass is excited to announce the return of one of the most successful and talented design teams in drum corps.  After capturing the 2011 DCA Open Class World Championship the corps' design team will remain unchanged in 2012. Joel Matuzak returns as Program Coordinator, Percussion Caption Supervisor and Arranger.  A 25 year veteran of the corps, Joel has led the Minnesota Brass creative team since 2002.  Brass leadership will be provided by Matt Kettelhut, Caption Supervisor and Arranger.  In addition to leading the corps to two consecutive high brass trophies, Matt has been a part of the corps since 1999.  Gary Swanson will return for his fourth consecutive year in his role as Caption Supervisor and Designer for the color guard, winners of the 2011 high guard caption.  After a fantastic first season as Visual Caption Supervisor, Andrew Dussl returns to lead the corps’ marching and movement staff.  Andrew has been a member of the visual staff since 2009.  Drill Writer and Brass Arranger Andrew Classen returns for another season with the corps.  Matt Ferry is starting his ninth year as Front Ensemble Coordinator and Arranger for the corps. 

The corps' entire administrative team from 2011 also returns for the 2012 season.  Gavin Burnham continues in his capacity as President and Corporate CEO of the organization.  Eric Molho will serve his second year as Executive Director/Corps Director.  Dave Whitaker continues his leadership as Financial Officer.  Operations Manager Jodi Pawlenty will begin her 12th year of service to the corps.  The Board of Directors will be led by long-time member and volunteer leader, Kurt Schiebel.

Joel Matuzak Program Coordinator/Percussion Arranger/Caption Supervisor
Joel Matuzak is a graduate of St. Cloud State University with a Degree in Music Education. He is currently the Director of Instrumental Music at Highland Park Senior High School in Saint Paul. Joel has instructed and arranged for numerous marching ensembles throughout the Midwest for over 20 years. He is a member of the Minnesota Percussion Association Hall of Fame and has taught many ensembles that have been WGI finalists.  Joel is currently the Director of the Minnesota Vikings Skol Line and the head arranger for the MBI Winter Drumline.  He is highly regarded as an arranger, drill writer, clinician, and adjudicator.  

Joel has been involved with Minnesota Brass for over 25 years.  He has been a percussion arranger since 1998, and Program Coordinator since 2002. The corps has won three DCA percussion titles and one World Championship title during that time.  Joel is a former Percussion Section Member of the Year, Director’s Appreciation, and Brassy Award winner. Joel has also taught and is an Alumnus of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps.  He is actively involved with the Minnesota Percussion Association, Tri-States Judging Association,  Minnesota Music Educators Conference,  Innovative Percussion, Dynasty Percussion, Remo, and Sabian Cymbals.

Andrew Classen Drill Writer/Brass Arranger
Andrew Classen is professor of trumpet and jazz studies at Drake University.  He is currently principal trumpet with the Cedar Rapids Symphony.  His principal trumpet teachers were Vincent Cichowicz of Northwestern University, William Adam of Indiana University, Robert Baca at UW Eau Claire and Cathy Leach at University of Tennessee.
He is in much demand as a clinician/guest artist for recitals, masterclasses and seminars, regionally, nationally and internationally. In May 2009, he spent 10 days in China giving recitals and master classes thoughout Beijing and Shanghai.  Other recent activities include recitals and masterclasses at the National Music Conservatory of Mexico in 2006, and Centro Cultural Ollin Yoliztli, and at the Instituto de Humanidades Y Ciencia in 2007.  He received a Bachelor in Music Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a Master of Music degree in trumpet performance from the University of Tennessee.  Mr. Classen has been a drill designer and music arranger for Minnesota Brass since 1986.
In 2008 he became the inaugural holder of the Fred and Patty Turner Professorship in Jazz at Drake.  He is also an active jazz composer. He currently has six compositions published through C.L. Barnhouse Publishing.

Andrew Dussl Visual Caption Supervisor
Andrew holds a Bachelors in Music Education degree from the University of Minnesota where he studied percussion under Fernando Meza.  He is returning for his fourth year of involvement with Minnesota Brass’ visual program and his second year as caption supervisor.  Andrew is the ensemble coordinator for the Minnesota Brass Indoor Drumline where he taught the 2010 bassline.  Andrew has had the opportunity to teach many indoor and outdoor music programs in and around the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, including the University of Minnesota-Duluth drumline, the Anoka Winter Percussion Ensemble, and the Maple Grove, Rosemount, Anoka, and Forest Lake high school drumlines among others.  In 2008, he worked with Anne Sullivan Communications Center teaching percussion within the YMCA Beacons youth development program.  
His marching experience includes three years with the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps as well as the Minnesota Brass Indoor Drumline 2008.  Andrew is currently performing with the Minnesota Vikings Skol Line, the Pizzazz Jazz Dance and Swing Band, and previously performed with the Northern Symphony Orchestra.  He currently teaches private percussion lessons in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

Matt Ferry Percussion Arranger  
Matt Ferry is currently a Regional Education Sales Manager for MakeMusic Inc. creators of the Finale and SmartMusic software. Outside of his work in music technology, Matt is a sought after arranger, educator and adjudicator for indoor percussion, marching bands, and percussion ensembles.
Matt has been the Front Ensemble Coordinator and Arranger for Minnesota Brass since 2003, which has included all three of the corps’ high percussion titles in DCA. In addition to his work with Minnesota Brass, Matt has consulted and arranged for dozens of bands and percussion ensembles in the Midwest.  He has performed and consulted with several Minneapolis based recording projects.
Mr. Ferry is an alumnus of the University of Minnesota where he earned a Bachelor in Music Education degree. He has studied percussion with Fernando Meza, Erik Johnson, Bret Kuhn, Allan Miller, Mike McIntosh, Phil Hey, Rolando Morales Matos, Nebojsa Zivkovic, and Earl Yowell.
Matt Ferry exclusively endorses Innovative Percussion, Sabian Cymbals, Finale Notation Software and SmartMusic.

Matt Kettelhut Brass Arranger/ Brass Caption Supervisor
Matt Kettelhut  is excited to be starting his 13th season with Minnesota Brass. Under Matt’s direction as arranger and brass caption head the Minnesota Brass hornline has climbed to the top of the activity, capturing the high brass award for the 2010 & 2011 seasons.  A graduate of the University of Minnesota and a hornline member of the 1994 undefeated DCI World Champion Concord Blue Devils, Matt has studied with several noted percussionists.  He has earned an applauded reputation giving clinics and concerts throughout the US and Europe as part of the Penumbra Percussion Duo.  Matt is a highly sought after judge and clinician for solo/ensemble contests, indoor drumline and marching band competitions across the country.  He is a past Treasurer for the Minnesota Percussive Arts Society, a member of Chamber Music America as well as the Twin Cities Musicians Union.  

Gary Swanson Color Guard Designer/Caption Supervisor
Gary has a long history with Minnesota Brass.  He first instructed the color guards while marching in 1990-1992, again in 1998, 1999 and he returned once more and has been instructing the guards since 2008.
Gary’s design and instructional credits include: Irondale High School color guard programs since 1990, (15 BOA Regional Finalist awards, 2010 BOA Class AA Regional Champion, NSC MN Winter Guard Open Class State Champion since 1996, 2011 WGI Scholastic A Finalist, 2003 WGI Scholastic World Class Finalist, 2002 WGI Open Class World Champion), the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, and many other high school groups throughout Minnesota.   He is the Past President of the North Star Color Guard Circuit and is affiliated with WGI. Gary is also involved in adjudication, consulting, and special event choreography both locally and nationally for the pageantry arts.
Gary received his Baachelor in Apparel Design from the University of Minnesota.  He marched with Minnesota Brass Drum and Bugle Corps, Minnesota Brass Winter Guard, Crosstown Hwy Winter Guard, and the University of Minnesota Marching Band.  Gary works at FamilyMeans, a nonprofit, family service organization in Stillwater, MN.

Don't forget to RSVP for Membership Night on January 4th, 2012