November 14, 2025
SIU Brass Day on Nov. 19 features visits by middle, high school students
CARBONDALE, Ill. — More than 100 middle school and high school students from throughout the region are expected to learn the intricacies of playing brass instruments and learn more about careers in music at the third Brass Day, hosted by Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s School of Music on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
Jessica Butler, an assistant professor of low brass and music history in the SIU School of Music, said nearly 90 junior high and high schools within the Illinois Music Education Association’s District 6 — comprising schools in Southern Illinois and the Metro East — along with schools in Paducah, Kentucky, have been invited to send students.
Butler, along with School of Music brass faculty Ricky Spears and Brittainy Spears, will work with students through the day. All students will begin with breathing exercises in Shryock Auditorium before breaking into groups based on their instrument type for technique classes.
Media availability
Reporters, photographers and camera crews are welcome to cover Brass Day activities. For more information or assistance in arranging interviews, contact Jessica Butler, SIU School of Music associate professor, at j.butler@siu.edu or the School of Music at 618-536-8742.
The students will also participate in master classes and discussions, perform for one another and attend live performances and rehearsals. At noon, SIU School of Music students will perform a chamber music recital in Shryock Auditorium.
In addition, visiting students will learn about instrument maintenance and “Rhythm Wars,” a rhythm practice for middle school students.
Butler is making breathing tubes using PVC pipes and string for each student. The breathing tubes are used to help train students to use the breathing apparatus in the correct way and to take in sufficient air in the most efficient way possible, Butler said.