CIM faculty, guest artists polish up new Summer Brass Lab for early July

Trumpet the news far and wide: CIM is the place to be this summer, if you’re a brass player.  

On Tuesday, March 11, CIM announced the launch of its 2025 Summer Brass Lab, a weeklong intensive for brass players in grades 9-12 looking to take their skills, experience, and connections to the next level.   

The collaborative, multifaceted program will run July 7-11 and be led by CIM faculty members Brian Wendel, principal trombone of The Cleveland Orchestra, and John Sebastian Vera, principal trombone of Pittsburgh Opera. 

“If you’re a high-school brass player who wants to explore the pathways that lead to a career in music, or the possibility of studying at CIM, the Summer Brass Lab is for you,” Wendel said. 

“Featuring world-class faculty, this camp will be an immersive conservatory experience that gives students all the tools they’ll need to prepare for the next level." 

Unlike many other musical camps, CIM’s Brass Lab is a deep dive into brass playing. In addition to private lessons with CIM faculty, participants will enjoy masterclasses, faculty recitals, musical enrichment courses, and opportunities to play a wide variety of chamber music in groups of different sizes. 

Wendel and Vera will run the program, but several other guest faculty on other instruments are expected to participate as well, and will be announced at a later date.  

Students also can expect to attend Cleveland Orchestra performances at Blossom Music Center and Severance Music Center. On July 7, Wendel said he plans to hold a brass concerto competition, the winner of which will perform on the Lab’s final concert July 11. Detailed information about that event will be released to all accepted participants. 

“The depth of offerings will be huge,” Wendel said. “From the ability to learn from professionals who are in your field to the discussions you’ll have with your colleagues, you’ll come out better prepared and with a better understanding of your goals.” 

Applications for CIM’s 2025 Brass Lab are being accepted now through April 4. Apply by March 24 to enjoy a reduced application fee. Admission decisions will be sent by April 18. Click here for the application form.  

Tuition for the 2025 Brass Lab is $1,250. Additional costs include a required $350 dining fee and a $420 housing fee for all participants who do not live in Cleveland and cannot commute from home. All travel expenses are the responsibility of the participant.  

For more information, email Summer Programs Director Jennifer Arnold at jennifer.arnold@cim.edu. To learn more about the program, visit cim.edu/brasslab.