March 17, 2022 – Millikin University’s School of Music presents Low Brass Day, an engaging and educational event for all high school low brass players, on Friday, April 1, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Low Brass Day will be held in Perkinson Music Center on Millikin University’s campus. Registration for the event is $10 and includes lunch and participation.
Millikin University’s Low Brass Day is a special event for high school low brass players featuring a group warm-up, jazz improvisation clinic, a trombone choir led by Dr. Gary Shaw and a tuba/euphonium choir led by Tim Schachtschneider.
The event will also feature two public performances in Kaeuper Hall at Perkinson Music Center. A trombone recital, featuring guest artist Ryan Christianson, trombonist of the Dallas Brass, and pianist Tatiana Shutova will be held at 2 p.m. The event’s final concert featuring high school participants, Millikin University and Eastern Illinois University Trombone Ensembles will be held at 3 p.m. Both performances are free and open to the public.
Following the day’s events, the Millikin Jazz Bands along with guest artist Ryan Christianson will perform at the Decatur Club at 7:30 p.m.
Millikin’s Low Brass Day is sponsored by The Music Shoppe, a full-line music store that serves the needs of musicians ranging from beginners to professionals. The Music Shoppe will have an instrument and accessory exhibit on display during Low Brass Day.
Ryan Christianson currently lives in Chicago, Ill., where he freelances in various settings with groups ranging from New Orleans-style brass bands and big bands to chamber groups and symphony orchestras. In addition to his freelance work, Christianson recently joined the Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra after winning the position of Principal Trombone. On a national scale, he has performed and toured with such varied artists as Diplo and Major Lazer, the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, and Lorie Line and Her Fab Five, as well as at such varied venues as the Vans Warped Tour, the Big Sky Classical Musical Festival and the Whitehall Chamber Music Festival.
A passionate educator, Christianson maintains a presence both as a clinician across the United States and as a private teacher in the Chicagoland area. Presenting to a wide variety of audiences, he has given clinics and masterclasses at such venues as the Colburn School, the New World School of the Arts, and the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. Additionally, Christianson’s private studio constitutes over 20 low brass students, many of whom can be found in some of the top band programs, youth orchestras and honor bands in the state of Illinois.
For more information or to register for Millikin University’s Low Brass Day, please visit their website.
