Look what they're saying about Boot Camp!
“I highly recommend Michael Becker's Low Brass Boot Camp. I am proud to consider Mike Becker a friend and mentor. I have attended his Boot Camp 4 times! (Twice in Tucson, AZ and twice in Chicago). It was at these camps that I observed an extremely refined level of artistry from Mike, one that I still hear in my mind to this day. It gives me the “mental guidance” upon which to keep improving. He is among the finest players in the orchestral profession anywhere. The Boot Camp is a place to study the orchestral audition process. I recommend it for anyone wishing to embark on the process, or to anyone wishing to refine this skill set. Participants perform in morning warmup/fundamental sessions, numerous mock auditions, orchestral sectionals performing the “hits” from the literature, and study/perform the solo repertoire found at auditions. You will become more fundamentally solid from attending the Boot Camp. Mike's approach to playing is fundamentally pure and natural. He plays with such ease and command. Throughout the years, his camps have made me stronger at playing, and given me much of what I focus on at orchestral auditions. Though I am not done taking auditions, it's because of him as much as any of my other teachers, that I have had a few audition successes. Also, at the Boot Camp, participants will have the opportunity to learn from Michael Grose, the tuba/euphonium professor at The University of Oregon. Mr. Grose contributes a great deal to the experience. I have learned a tremendous amount from him. I'm so glad to know Mr. Grose and proud to call him a friend and mentor as well.”
-Joe Aumann, Acting 2nd Trombone, Alabama Symphony Orchestra,
Graduate of University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire
-Joe Aumann, Acting 2nd Trombone, Alabama Symphony Orchestra,
Graduate of University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire
"I am so grateful to have attended the Becker Low Brass Boot Camp...Mike Becker has a unique talent not only for performing the trombone at the highest possible level, but also as a fantastic teacher. His pedagogy on the fundamentals of brass playing dramatically improved my sound and articulation, and his excerpt coaching was exactly what I needed to become a finalist for the ITA Van Haney excerpt competition. This seminar is a must attend for any aspiring low brass student!"
-Caleb Shemwell, DePaul University Performance Major
-Caleb Shemwell, DePaul University Performance Major
'The boot camp was one of the most important experiences in my memory for my development as a player. It is an environment where audition preparation skills can be tested and faculty seek personal growth and skill development not only through coaching in the masterclasses but also through discussions about musical conception and pedagogy. There are also several mock audition opportunities that are very similar to professional auditions. There are opportunities for students to break off and work on excerpts in study groups with the faculty leading but we also found ourselves working on section repertoire on our own during break times! This is a perfect opportunity for anyone who is serious about finding a role in the low brass section in an orchestra.'
-Ben Zisook, MM,DePaul University, Chicago Free-lancer.
-Ben Zisook, MM,DePaul University, Chicago Free-lancer.
"This camp is a great way to learn new concepts, gain tons of audition strategies, and refine skills in a healthy, productive way. I have been to many summer camps and seminars yet find myself continuously returning to this one, as the value of the camp, growth all members experience in a week, and camaraderie amongst faculty and attendee is top notch. I would recommend this camp to any low brass player, especially one who will take an audition at any point in their life."
-Kenny Ross, University of Oregon
-Kenny Ross, University of Oregon