2026 Southern Miss
Brass Symposium
in partnership with the Karen Cubides Agency
Friday & Saturday, April 17-18, 2026 | The University of Southern Mississippi
Ryan Gardner (CU-Boulder, Professor of Trumpet)
Shawn Hagen (Horn, US Army Band "Pershing's Own," retired; Mindfulness Teacher)
Douglas Yeo (Bass Trombone, Boston Symphony Orchestra, retired)
Gail Robertson (Euphonium Artist Teacher at Indiana University, University of Central Arkansas, and member of Symbiosis Duo)
Stacy Baker (Tuba Artist Teacher at Morehead State University, member of Symbiosis Duo)
Ryan Gardner (CU-Boulder, Professor of Trumpet) Shawn Hagen (Horn, US Army Band "Pershing's Own," retired; Mindfulness Teacher) Douglas Yeo (Bass Trombone, Boston Symphony Orchestra, retired) Gail Robertson (Euphonium Artist Teacher at Indiana University, University of Central Arkansas, and member of Symbiosis Duo) Stacy Baker (Tuba Artist Teacher at Morehead State University, member of Symbiosis Duo)
The Artists
Ryan Gardner
Professor, University of Colorado - Boulder
Shawn Hagen
Horn, US Army Band “Pershing’s Own”, retired
Douglas Yeo
Bass Trombone, Boston Symphony Orchestra, retired; Renowned Pedagogue and Author
photocredit: Michael J. Lutch
Gail Robertson
Artist Teacher at Indiana University, University of Central Arkansas; Symbiosis Duo
Stacy Baker
Artist Teacher at Morehead State University; Symbiosis Duo
Southern Miss Brass Faculty
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Dr. TJ Tesh
Trumpet Professor
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Dr. Rob Detjen
Horn Professor
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Dr. Ben McIlwain
Trombone Professor
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Dr. Richard Perry
Tuba/Euphonium Professor
Registration is LIVE!
Performance Showcases
In addition to FIVE incredible guests on each brass instrument, we also will have opportunities for YOU to perform at this event! Performance Showcases for high school and collegiate brass ensembles entry is OPEN. If your group is interested in performing, please contact us for more information. Also, group rates are available!
Music Educators
You can earn 10 hours (equivalent of 1.0 CEU credits) by attending with your students. Message us for more information!
This event is made possible in part by a grant from the Partners for the Arts.
Day 1: Friday, April 17
8:00 - 8:45 Registration
8:45 - 9:00 Welcome by the USM Brass Faculty
9:00-10:00 Raising Awareness: The Mindful Warm-Up
10:15-11:15 Douglas Yeo Q/A and Chat about Boston Symphony Orchestra
11:30-12:30 Audition/Competition Preparation
Visit Exhibits / Lunch (not provided)
1:30-2:30 Chamber Music and Entrepreneurship
3:00-4:00 Guest Artist Master Classes
4:15-5:30 Breathe, Sit, Walk: An Off-the-Instrument Practice
*Note: Performance Showcases will be scheduled throughout the day!
Day 2: Saturday, April 18
8:00-8:45 Registration
8:45-9:00 Welcome by the USM Brass Faculty
9:00-10:00 Mindfulness 101: Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation
10:15-11:15 Historical Brass Instruments with Douglas Yeo
Chat with Stacy Baker
11:30-12:30 Music Arranging for High Brass
Music Arranging for Low Brass
Visit Exhibits / Lunch (not provided)
1:45-2:45 Southern Miss Trombone Choir with Douglas Yeo
Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble
Panel discussion with High Brass
3:15-3:45 Mass Choir Read Thru
4:00-5:30 FINALE Concert including Mass Choir
*Note: Performance Showcases will be scheduled throughout the day!
