The Brass of Peace Scholarship Program (BOP) now in its 47th season, is a tuition-free program for talented high school students (age 15-18) and provides an intense but nurturing training for its members so that they will be more likely to succeed in the very competitive field of music. For a period of 36 weeks during the school year, the Brass of Peace Scholars, a group of 9-15 gifted children, are given two-hour weekly coaching sessions with former National Symphony Orchestra hornist, Sylvia Alimena. Members prepare and perform several demanding programs over the course of the year. Brass of Peace is an exciting way for a seasoned professional to directly mentor and pass on the legacy of orchestral style and concepts of reaching for artistic excellence to the next generations of orchestral players.
In past seasons, in partnership with the National Symphony Orchestra Education Department, Brass of Peace has provided free in-school "Kidshare Concerts" throughout the D.C. area. Brass of Peace encourages a cycle of giving as members share their own talents with young children and with the community.
Distinguished Brass of Peace Alumni include: Jennifer Montone, Principal Horn, Philadelphia Orchestra, Nathaniel Silberschlag, Principal Horn, The Cleveland Orchestra; Nicole Cash, former Associate Principal Horn, San Francisco Symphony; Stuart Stephenson, Principal Trumpet, Dallas Symphony Orchestra(formerly Atlanta); Jeffrey Work, Principal Trumpet, Oregon Symphony; Rex Richardson, international jazz recording artist; Allen Meek, Principal Trombone, Singapore Symphony Orchestra; Jamie Hersch, Associate Principal Horn, Singapore Symphony Orchestra; Robert Singer, President's Own Marine Band; Heather Shotts, trumpeter, Burning River Brass; Terry Bingham, former Solo Cornet, Pershing's Own Army Band Quintet; Anneka Zuehlke, Principal Horn, Greenville Symphony; Hakeem Bilal, C Street Brass; Joseph Cradler, hornist, The President's Own Marine Band; Tiffany Hoffer, trumpeter, Army Field Band; Nicolas Caulori, hornist, West Point Academy Band; Blakely Carroll, U.S. Air Force Band; Ben St. Pierre, tuba, President's Own Marine Band; Jack Grimm, Principal Trombone, Columbus Symphony; Katie Franke, trombone, President's Own Marine Band; Christina Alegre, trumpet, U.S. Fife and Drum; Aislin Carpenter, trumpet, U.S. Air Force Band.
Sylvia Alimena is in her 35th year as music director of Brass of Peace. She has also been founding music director of Eclipse Chamber Orchestra.
Learn More: http://www.brassofpeace.org