About RCB School of Brass

School of Brass

The RCB School of Brass is a two-semester extracurricular music education program designed by River City Brass and held in partnership with the Penn Hills School District. Classes are available to students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. The program’s goal is to provide students with musical instruction that might not be available in a traditional academic setting.

The RCB Mini-Kids program is available to students in grades K-3.

The Junior Brass program is available to students in grades 4–7.

The Youth Brass, Percussion, & Woodwind Band program is available to students in grades 8–12.

Classes

Classes take place on Saturday mornings in the music and arts wing of Penn Hills High School. 
Address: Penn Hills High School, 309 Collins Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15235.

Register

Mini-Kids (K-3)

An introduction to the wonders of brass band music, this program focuses on introducing your child to the basics of music, including music theory, instruments, and music movement. Regardless of their prior skill level, the River City Brass faculty will provide your child with a fun experience and lots of musical knowledge. More on the course can be found below.

Lesson Content

Musical Early Learning:

  • Music movement and keyboard skills
  • Singing, music theory, and playing recorders

Introduction to Mini-Brass:

  • Cornet
  • Trumpet
  • Trombone
  • Baritone

Class Time

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Classes take place on Saturday mornings in the music and arts wing of Penn Hills High School.

Register
Young students practicing colorful plastic trumpets on risers in a classroom.

Junior Brass (4-7)

RCB’s Junior Brass is always a blast! Designed for those kids too young for the Youth Brass Band but too old for Mini-Brass, the Junior Brass provides your child with the opportunity to advance their musical talents within the brass tradition, while also giving them a fun time they’re sure to remember. Participation in these courses will give your child the knowledge and skill they need to advance their musical abilities and join the Youth Brass Band in the future! More on the course can be found below.

Lesson Content

  • Music theory and group instrumental lessons for cornet/trumpet, horn, low brass and percussion.
  • Full ensemble rehearsals.
  • Instrument required. (Instruments available for loan)

Class Time

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Classes take place on Saturday mornings in the music and arts wing of Penn Hills High School.

Register
Two male students play the trumpet on stage, their music stands are in front of them.

Youth Brass, Percussion, and Woodwind Band (8-12)

The RCB Youth Brass, Percussion, and Woodwind Band provides teenagers with a valuable opportunity to increase their musicianship and learn more about the brass tradition. Through the program, students are able to enhance and showcase their skills with advanced musical learning classes, including group instrumental lessons and rehearsals. RCB’s Youth Band faculty mentors between 40 and 60 of Pennsylvania’s talented brass, woodwind, and percussion players every semester, with over 1,000 musicians produced since its founding. More on the program can be found below.

Lesson Content

  • Group instrumental lessons for cornet/trumpet, horn, woodwinds,
    low brass, and percussion.
  • Sectional rehearsals.
  • Full ensemble rehearsals.
  • Instrument required. (Instruments are available for loan)

Class Time

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Classes take place on Saturday mornings in the music and arts wing of Penn Hills High School.

Register
Two students practicing in a classroom. One i playing the trombone and the other a tuba.