Brass
The NSU Trumpet Studio is a dynamic collective of aspiring brass musicians dedicated to honing their skills and exploring the diverse world of trumpet music. Under the guidance of experienced faculty, students embark on a comprehensive musical journey that encompasses classical virtuosity, jazz improvisation, and contemporary innovation. From the regal tones of Baroque compositions to the spirited improvisations of jazz standards, the trumpet studio embraces a wide range of musical genres. Through personalized instruction, masterclasses, and collaborative performances, students not only refine their individual technique but also develop a strong sense of ensemble cohesion. This vibrant community fosters a passion for the trumpet’s expressive capabilities and instills a commitment to Ensembles Northwestern – Natchitoches Symphony Orchestra Wind Symphony Chamber Winds Flute choir Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band Chamber Music musical excellence, preparing students for versatile careers in the ever-evolving landscape of brass performance. If you are interested in applying to study at the NSU Trumpet Studio or would like further information, please contact the trumpet professor Galindo Rodriguez.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying to study at the NSU Trumpet studio or would like further information please contact the Trumpet Professor, Galindo Rodriguez as soon as you can at rodriguez@nsula.edu.
Undergraduate Degrees
Music Performance
Music Education
Music Business
Sacred Music
Minors in Music
Graduate Degrees
Masters in Music Performance
Masters in Music Education
Ensembles
Trumpet Ensemble
Northwestern – Natchitoches Symphony Orchestra
Concert Bands
Chamber Winds
Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band
Purple Haze Pep Band
Jazz Orchestra
Jazz Combos
Chamber Music
Audition Requirements
Undergraduate Programs
- 2 pieces of free choice repertoire showing a variety of styles. This can include pieces or studies.
- Some 2 octave major and minor scales
Please contact the Trumpet Professor ASAP to discuss suitable repertoire to ensure you are the most comfortable and confident!
Graduate Programs
- 2 pieces of free choice repertoire showing a variety of styles.
- 2 orchestral excerpts
- Full range major and minor Scales (low c to high C)
Please contact the Trumpet Professor ASAP to discuss suitable repertoire to ensure you are the most comfortable and confident!
Trumpet Professor: Galindo Rodriguez
Galindo Rodriguez earned the Bachelor of Music and the Master of Music Education from the University of North Texas. He performed as Principal Trumpet of the Chicago Civic Symphony from 1978-1980. From 1980-1984 he held the position of Principal Trumpet of the Boise Philharmonic and taught Applied Trumpet at Boise State University. In 1987 he earned the Certificate in Performance from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. His teachers include Adolph Herseth, Vincent Cichowicz, John J. Haynie, and Dr. Leonard Candelaria. He has performed with the Fort Worth Symphony, the Chicago Chamber Orchestra, and the Shreveport Symphony.
He joined NSU as Applied Trumpet Professor in 1988. In addition to applied trumpet he has taught, Techniques of Conducting, Brass Methods and directed the Brass Ensemble, The Baroque Trumpet Choir, and currently directed the Jazz Orchestra. He established the Jazz Concert Series in 1997 and the Annual Jazz Artist Series.. Under his direction the University Jazz Orchestra has performed with Ellis Marsalis, Byron Stripling, Mike Williams, Mike Tomaro, Graham Breedlove, Mike Vax, Astral Project, Tony Dagradi, Matt Niess, Bill Watrous, Ingrid Jensen, Rodney Whitiker, and Rodger Ingram, Jessy J.,Warren Wolf, and Allen Vizzutti, Warren Wolf, and Bill Causey, Jr.
Rodriguez is Past-President of the Louisiana Association for Jazz Education and is currently Treasurer. He is a member of the LAJE Hall of Fame. The University Jazz Orchestra has twice received superior ratings at the Loyola Jazz Festival New Orleans.
Over his career he has had opportunity to perform alongside Armando Ghitally, former Principal Trumpet of the Boston Symphony, Adolph Herseth, former Principal Trumpet of the Chicago Symphony, and Don Jacoby.
His students include three trumpet players as former members of the world-famous Once O’clock Lab Band from the University of North Texas, and a number of members of the United States Coast Guard Band and the United States Marine Drum & Bugle Corp.
“The Applied Trumpet Studio offers marvelous opportunities for both majors and non-majors to improve themselves for excellent reading skills, classical, commercial, and jazz performance. In addition, weekly Studio Class offers solo performance and ensemble experience in addition to participating in weekly master classes covering all aspects of performance: fundamentals, daily routine, recital and concert preparation, range, endurance and much more.”
– Galindo Rodriguez
Mr. Galindo Rodriguez
Associate Professor of Music-Trumpet
University Jazz Orchestra
Northwestern State University
rodriguez@nsula.edu
Office: 222 (Old Fine Arts)
The Life of a NSU Trumpet Player
Weekly one to one Trumpet lesson with Galindo Rodriguez and the Graduate Assistant.
Participation in large ensembles
Weekly Studio Class
Weekly Ensemble Class
Monthly Solo Performance Class
Opportunities to perform in Trumpet Guest Artist masterclasses and workshops
Tuition Costs
NSU provides ALL students participating in a large ensemble, IN-STATE tuition costs irrelevant of where you are from. Tuition costs are NSU are usually significantly cheaper than almost all other universities. Spring 2024 Tuition costs (before scholarship) can be found at this link: https://stdocproviderdataprod001.blob.core.windows.net/677/FeeSheet-FeeBreakdown-2023-24-rev5-1-23.pdf
Please contact the Trumpet Professor if you would like further information.
Scholarships
ALL trumpet students participating in large NSU ensembles (marching bands, concert bands and orchestras) are eligible for scholarships on the basis that they are enrolled on a full-time basis and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. Please contact the Trumpet Professor for further information.
Graduate Assistantships
Each year, NSU offers graduate students the opportunity to apply for an Assistantship. This entitles that student to a $12,000 annual stipend in return for 20 hours of work each week. Please contact the Trumpet Professor for further information.
If you would like more information, to set up an audition or to have a chat about your future at NSU, please contact Galindo Rodriguez at rodriguez@nsula.edu.
Or even better, come join us on campus and be an honorary NSU Trumpet for the day and see for yourself why this Trumpet studio is a excellent place for you! Contact Mr. Rodriguez to arrange. You and your family are most welcome!
The NSU Trombone Studio is where aspiring trombonists converge to explore the rich and diverse world of their instrument. Under the guidance of seasoned faculty, students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that spans classical, jazz, and contemporary genres. Through applied trombone lessons, masterclasses, and collaborative performances, students develop individual proficiency and cultivate ensemble skills. From large ensembles, including concert bands, symphonic orchestras, jazz orchestra, and the athletic bands, to smaller ensembles like the NSU Trombone Choir and chamber music, students have many performing outlets available to engage in during their study. In the applied studio students delve into the unique lyrical and expressive qualities of the trombone while also cultivating their technical virtuosity. The NSU Trombone Studio is a dynamic place where preparation meets opportunity and molds musicians into an asset for a variety of musical pursuits.
If you are interested in applying to study at the NSU Trombone Studio or would like further information, please contact the trombone professor Dr. J. Mark Thompson.
How to Apply
Trombone Studio — Dr. J. Mark Thompson, 318-357-5791, thompsonjm@nsula.edu
NSU Admissions — https://www.nsula.edu/futurestudents/how-to-apply/, or call toll-free: 800-767-8115; phone: 318-357-4078
Undergraduate Degrees
Bachelor of Music with concentrations in:
- Music Business
- Performance
- Sacred Music
Bachelor of Music Education with programs in:
- Instrumental, Grades K-12
- Vocal, Grades K-12
- Vocal/Instrumental, Grades K-12
The Louisiana Scholars’ College provides highly motivated students with a rigorous, customized honors education firmly grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. Concentrations include: Music Performance, Sacred Music, and Music Education. For more information please contact The Louisiana Scholars’ College, 318-357-4577, lscrecruits@nsula.edu.
Graduate Degrees
Master of Music with concentrations in:
- Performance
- Music Education
Audition Requirements for Trombone & Low Brass
Undergraduate
- Play two or more contrasting etudes (All-State-level, complete…legato & technical), and/or an advanced solo used at solo & ensemble contest, or a combination of those materials
- Major scales (All-State patterns are okay)
Graduate
- Play two or more contrasting etudes (advanced…legato & technical), and/or a premier solo from the standard concert repertoire, or a combination of those materials
- Play two or more standard orchestral excerpts
- Major and minor scales
Be sure to select music that helps you demonstrate your best playing! Feel free to contact the Trombone Professor directly to discuss suitable repertoire.
Trombone Professor
J. Mark Thompson is Professor of Music at Northwestern State University. He holds degrees from Murray State University, University of Southern California, and University of Iowa; and his teachers include Ray Conklin, John Hill, George Krem, Charles Vernon, and Arnold Jacobs. A charter life member of the International Trombone Association, Dr. Thompson is a member of its Advisory Council on Literature and previously served a six-year term on its Board of Advisors. Editor and co-author of French Music for Low Brass Instruments, he also produced Solos for the Student Trombonist, 2d ed. Dr. Thompson was a featured soloist with the South Arkansas Symphony, Shreveport Symphony, and the U.S. Army Orchestra, and he was a Participant at the Alessi Seminar. Formerly Principal Bass Trombone of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, he performs with the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, Drei Bones Trombone Trio, I-49 Brass Quintet, and the Texarkana Symphony, South Arkansas Symphony, and Des Moines Metro Opera Orchestras.
Dr. J. Mark Thompson
thompsonjm@nsula.edu
318-357-5791
The Life of an NSU Trombone Student
Applied Lessons – Tenor or Bass Trombone
Trombone Studio Class
NSU Trombone Choir
Chamber Music
Ensembles Available
Natchitoches – Northwestern Symphony Orchestra
Concert Bands
Chamber Winds
Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band
Purple Haze Pep Band
NSU Jazz Orchestra
Jazz Combos
Helpful Links
The Horn Studio here at NSU is a welcoming and tight-knit community consisting of both graduate and undergraduate horn majors and non-majors. NSU is the perfect size university to offer students the individualized support they need but big enough to give them the opportunity to grow to their full potential! With one-to-one horn lessons, lots of ensembles, frequent guest artists and much more, NSU will give you the education and experience you need. The goal of a college education should always be to ensure your future success. Our NSU Horn Studio Alumni are evidence of that! Our graduates have gone to pursue careers as teachers, composers, sound technicians, orchestral/band/chamber performers or are continuing their education in graduate school. Your success is our top priority!
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying to NSU or would like further information please contact Dr. Alexis Sczepanik at sczepanika@nsula.edu or visit our admissions website here https://www.nsula.edu/futurestudents/how-to-apply/
Undergraduate Degrees
Music Performance
Music Education
Music Business
Sacred Music
Minors in Music
Graduate Degrees
Masters in Music Performance
Masters in Music Education
Ensembles
Northwestern – Natchitoches Symphony Orchestra
Chamber Winds
Wind Symphony
Wind Ensemble
Magale Concert Band
Fredericks Concert Band
NSU Community Horn Choir
NSU Horn Quartet
Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band
Chamber Music
Audition Requirements
Undergraduate Programs
- 2 pieces showing technical and lyrical ability. This can include solos or etudes.
- 2 octave major and minor scales
- Sight reading may be asked
Graduate Programs
- 2 pieces showing technical and lyrical ability. This can include solos or etudes.
- 3 standard orchestral excerpts of your choice.
- 2 octave major and minor scales
- Sight reading may be asked
Horn Professor: Dr. Alexis Sczepanik
Dr. Sczepanik is the Assistant Professor of Horn at Northwestern State University. Dr. Sczepanik is 4th horn with the Rapides Symphony and regularly performs with orchestras throughout the South including the Shreveport Symphony, Texarkana Symphony, Marshall Symphony, and South Arkansas Symphony. Prior to joining the NSU faculty in Fall of 2022, Dr. Sczepanik held teaching positions at Ouachita Baptist University, Midwestern State University, Weatherford College, and served as a Teaching Fellow at the University of North Texas. A native of Texas, Dr. Sczepanik holds a D.M.A from the University of North Texas, a M.M. from The University of Texas at San Antonio, an a B.M. from Texas State University.
Dr. Alexis Sczepanik
Assistant Professor of Horn
Northwestern State University
sczepanika@nsula.edu
Office: 312 (A.A. Fredericks)
The Life of a NSU Horn Major
Weekly one to one horn lessons with Alexis Sczepanik
Participation in large ensembles
Weekly Studio Class
Weekly Horn Choir rehearsal
Opportunities to perform in horn Guest Artist masterclasses and workshops
Tuition Costs
NSU provides ALL students participating in a large ensemble an IN-STATE tuition waiver regardless of where you are from. After scholarships and financial aid, many of our students are able to attend NSU at little or no cost. Please check with admissions for current tuition costs.
Scholarships and Assistantships
ALL admitted horn students participating in NSU ensembles will receive scholarships based on merit and financial need. We also have competitive graduate assistantships available!
Graduate Assistantships
Each year, NSU offers graduate students the opportunity to apply for an Assistantship. This entitles that student to a $12,000 annual stipend in return for 20 of hours work each week. Please contact the Horn Professor for further information.
If you would like more information on NSU, the horn studio or to set up an audition, please contact Dr. Sczepanik at:
sczepanika@nsula.edu
The NSU Euphonium-Tuba Studio is an exciting and unique place where you develop your musicianship with deep understanding of what lies beyond the notes, while improving your technical skill to play euphonium and tuba so that you can express what you have in your vision more convincingly and beautifully. Through individualized private lessons with in-depth study of our literature, performing in NSU Euphonium-Tuba Ensemble, which constantly experiments to expand our exposure to different genres/styles of music and the new tonal possibilities by utilizing the instruments such as bass trumpets, alto horns, double-bell euphonium, and cimbassi with mutes and electronics, as well as weekly studio classes with various topics, we will explore the past- present-future of euphonium and tuba.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying to study at the NSU Euphonium-Tuba Studio or would like further information please contact the Euphonium-Tuba Professor, Dr. Masahito Kuroda as soon as you can at kurodam@nsula.edu.
Undergraduate Degrees
Music Performance
Music Education
Music Business
Sacred Music
Minors in Music
Graduate Degrees
Masters in Music Performance
Masters in Music Education
Ensembles
NSU Euphonium-Tuba Ensemble
NSU Wind Symphony
NSU Wind Ensemble
NSU Concert Bands
Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band
Chamber Winds
Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony
Orchestra
Various Chamber Ensemble (quintet, quartet, trio, etc.)
Audition Requirements
Undergraduate Programs
- 2 contracting pieces/ excerpts of choice repertoire (one lyrical, and the other technical nature). These can be from solo repertoire or etudes. All-State trial music is acceptable.
- Demonstration on major scales is not required but highly encouraged.
Please contact the Euphonium-Tuba Professor ASAP to discuss suitable repertoire to ensure you are the most comfortable and confident!
Graduate Programs
- 2 pieces of free choice repertoire showing a variety of styles.
- 2 orchestral or band excerpts
Please contact the Euphonium-Tuba Professor ASAP to discuss suitable repertoire to ensure you are the most comfortable and confident!
Euphonium-Tuba Professor: Dr. Masahito Kuroda
Dr. Kuroda holds his degrees from 3 countries (B.M. degree from Tokyo Gakugei University in Japan, M.M. from Morehead State University in the US, and Artis Doctor Musica in euphonium performance from National Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Slovak Republic). Receiving full scholarship from Japanese Ministry of Education, he also studied with many renowned low brass artists in U.S., U.K., Netherlands, and Germany. He has appeared as a guest euphonium artist/clinician in music schools and performance venues in the U.S., Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, and Far East Asia. Most notably, he held the county’s first euphonium recital/masterclass in Slovak Republic. He also is a founding member of British Brass Band Society of Louisiana. As an orchestral tenor tuba player, he has performed in Baton Rouge Symphony, Rapides Symphony, Shreveport Symphony, and South Arkansas Symphony. Together with NSU Euphonium-Tuba Ensemble he directs, he researches and explores new possibility of musical expression utilizing various tuba family instruments with electronic sound enhancements.
“Euphonium and tuba are relatively new members of musical instrument family with much shorter history than more traditional instruments. We do not have centuries of accumulated wisdoms by generations of great musicians on how to interpret Beethoven, for example. However, we can turn it around, take this as an advantage, and immerse yourself in study of all sorts of music as your own, get inspired, and study in depth. We are the product of what we challenge, and we can grow as musician tremendously as we go through this process of leaning. My goal in studio is to provide welcoming and inspiring environment to everyone as they embark on their unique paths and guide and help as we face challenges together. Welcome to the journey to study the universal language of music that allows us to communicate beyond time and space.”
– Dr. Masahito Kuroda
Dr. Masahito Kuroda
Professor of Euphonium-Tuba/ Sound Technician/ Coordinator of Media Recording & Streaming
Northwestern State University
kurodam@nsula.edu
Office: 224 (Old Fine Arts)
The Life of a NSU Euphonium/Tuba Player
Weekly one to one Euphonium/Tuba lesson with Masahito Kuroda
Participation in large ensembles and chamber music ensembles
Weekly Studio Class
Opportunities to participate any Guest Artist masterclasses and workshops in various genres.
Tuition Costs
NSU provides ALL students participating in a large ensemble, IN-STATE tuition costs irrelevant of where you are from. Tuition costs are NSU are usually significantly cheaper than almost all other universities. Spring 2024 Tuition costs (before scholarship) can be found at this link: https://stdocproviderdataprod001.blob.core.windows.net/677/FeeSheet-FeeBreakdown-2023-24-rev5-1-23.pdf
Please contact the Dr. Kuroda if you would like further information.
Graduate Assistantships
Each year, NSU offers graduate students the opportunity to apply for an Assistantship. This entitles that student to a $12,000 annual stipend in return for 20 hours of work each week. Please contact the Euphonium-Tuba professor for further information.
If you would like more information, to set up an audition or to have a chat about your future at NSU, please contact Masahito Kuroda at:
kurodam@nsula.edu
Or even better, come join us on campus and be an honorary NSU Euphonium-Tuba studio member for the day and see for yourself why this euphonium-tuba studio is a great place to be! Contact Dr. Kuroda to arrange. You and your family are most welcome!
