Classical Performance - Brass

Classical Performance in Brass Studies is a busy and vibrant area. Students are exposed to a broad education with eleven brass teachers and lecturers providing masterclasses, one-to-one lessons and tutorials. The Head of Brass, Howard Parkinson, is a current member of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and has just completed thirty years service. Having a Head of Studies with this experience and still ‘in the field’ is a great advantage to students.

As well as having access to three full-time orchestras, students are able to participate in the busiest of all ensembles at the Conservatorium – Brass Ensemble (twenty-two performances scheduled for 2010). Regular mock auditions are scheduled where students are screened and have the opportunity to audition for guest lecturers. This has proven very effective with a number of students gaining casual work with the ASO as a result of ‘successful’ mock auditions.

Howard Parkinson
Head of Brass

Brass Teaching Staff

Sarah Barrett (horn)
Jim Dempsey (trumpet)
Ian Denbigh (trombone and euphonium)
Robin Finlay (trumpet)
David Gill (tuba)
Phillip Hall (horn)
Gary McGibbon (tuba)
Phillip Paine (horn)
Howard Parkinson (trombone)
Martin Phillipson (trumpet)
Peter Whish-Wilson (tuba)

Meet a Current Student

Karina Filipi is currently in her third and final year of a Bachelor of Music (Classical Performance). She began playing the tuba at age ten and since then has won numerous state and three national tuba titles. Not only does Karina participate in the Elder Conservatorium’s Wind Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra and Brass Ensemble, she also plays with the Kensington and Norwood Brass Band. Recently Karina has done some casual work with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and has also participated in the Australian International Summer Orchestra Institute program and the Australian Youth Orchestra’s National Music Camp and Resident Brass Quintet program. Beyond university Karina hopes to travel overseas to acquire lessons from a variety of teachers with the ultimate aim to one day gain a full time job as a professional orchestral musician.

'The Elder Conservatorium has played a pivotal role in my growth as a musician. By playing in a diverse range of ensembles I have been exposed to an extremely varied repertoire of music, such as playing Tchaikovsky’s 6th Symphony with the Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra and playing Michael Colegrass’ Arctic Dreams with the Elder Conservatorium Wind Orchestra. At the Conservatorium I have also had mentorship and guidance from an abundance of inspirational educators and professional musicians, both local and international. These people have supported me in working towards my goal and have helped me mature as a musician over the years.'

How to Apply

Applying is easy, visit our Future Students page for all the information you need.