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 Boland

    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 Brooker

    YRC studios, Young and Temora Jugiong Public School Temora Public School Temora West Public School Trinity Catholic Primary School, Harden

    Hi there, I am an experienced performer who has played multiple instruments on both national and international stages including those in New Zealand, Australia, America, Germany, and United Kingdom. I have also worked extensively with local and internationally based choirs, instrumental ensembles, and soloists as a conductor in New Zealand and Australia.

    I have always had a focus on regional and remote music making having grown up on farms in New Zealand where musical opportunities were really life giving. After leaving the professional performance circuit as a singer in 2009, I began work at the Young Regional Conservatorium as a studio music practitioner where I now teach Voice, Brass, school band programs and Piano. During this time, it has been a delight to help students reach their desired musical aspirations such as CD launches; touring longevity; professional and semi-professional performance careers; and exam or audition success.

    I am currently undertaking a PhD in music education through the Sydney Conservatorium of Music at University of Sydney with the hope of strengthening and supporting regional, rural, and remote music education in NSW.

    Certificate of Performance Jazz Trumpet – Massey University NZ Cert IV In assessment and training – TAFE NSW A.MUS.A Classical voice– AMEB Bachelor of Music Classical Voice – Australian National University Master of Music Pedagogy in Voice – Griffith university, QLD

    Enrol with Mark