Brass instruments might be heard in an orchestra, in a marching band, in a jazz band or in other ensembles, as well as solo. They can be played very loudly!

Brass instruments are made of long metal pipes and their ends widen into a bell shape. The pipes have lots of twists and turns, to make them easy to carry around and to hold. Brass players use their breath to make a sound, pressing their lips against a cup-shaped mouthpiece. Most of the instruments have valves that are pressed down by the player’s fingers to open or close different pieces of tubing.

Learning a brass instrument will allow you to play many types of musical styles from classical to jazz.

Instruments in the Brass Family include:

  • Trumpet/Cornet

  • Horn

  • Trombone

  • Euphonium/Tenor Horn

  • Tuba

Teaching staff:

  • Liz Whitechurch

    Hi, I’m Liz, a woodwind and brass tutor at YRC. I am a local girl, being brought up on a mixed farm west of Young. I attended Young Public School and Young High School where I was actively involved in music within the schools and wider community. I began teaching flute at YRC in 2008 and since have expanded my knowledge in other instruments including oboe, saxophone, clarinet, trumpet and horn. Music has become a huge part of my life with both my children following in my footsteps and being involved in many community events in various bands and ensembles.

    I take great joy in seeing my students grow musically and having fun playing for others. I have a passion for ensembles and believe that sharing your talents is a must, no matter how good you think you are. And I believe anyone can learn to play an instrument or sing… you just have to give it a try and have a bit of fun!

    CMus - Flute Bachelor of Applied Science -Agriculture

    Enrol with Liz

  • Mark Corkery

    YRC studios, Young. Maimuru Public School, Monteagle Public School, Murringo Public School, Wombat Public School, Wombat Public School, Young Public School, Young North Public School. ‍ ‍

    Mark Corkery is a guitarist and songwriter who has been playing and writing music in many solo and ensemble contexts for over 30 years. Mark began teaching with YRC in 2009, and has since been involved in the musical journey of upwards of 500 individual students as well as over a thousand students in classroom programs and ensembles. 

    Mark’s teaching approach has three primary focuses; enjoyment, flexibility, and community.

    Fostering an enjoyment of music in the early years of a child’s educational journey is crucial to a lifelong passion for music making, and so Mark’s approach seeks to provide an accessible and flexible program tailored to each individual student. 

    Mark also believes that enjoyment comes from owning your craft, and having autonomy in your own musical journey. With many years experience as a musician and tutor, he is able to guide each student within an adaptable framework that allows for the student’s own input whilst also facilitating steady progress towards the student’s chosen goals.

    And finally Mark believes in the power of music to provide a sense of belonging and community, and that this can be found in playing as part of an ensemble. Mark works with many school and Con ensembles including rock bands, marimba ensembles, drumming ensembles, ukulele orchestras, concert bands and stage bands. This provides plenty of opportunities for students to take part in an ensemble that suits them, and with this comes the many benefits of playing music alongside other learning musicians.