New Music Faculty and Musical Wunderkind to Perform with MDC’s Wind Symphony at Debut Concert March 13
Brian Neal, director of instrumental studies and professor of trumpet, MDC Kendall Campus
Miami, March 3, 2010 - Miami Dade College’s (MDC) music department at Kendall Campus is brimming with talent these days. Recently, Miami native and music wunderkind Brian Neal joined the college as director of instrumental studies, professor of trumpet instruction, and conductor of the campus’ Wind Symphony.
Neal and his Wind Symphony student musicians will perform at a free concert on Saturday, March 13, 2010, at the McCarthy Auditorium on the Kendall Campus. In addition to the Wind Symphony, Neal will be a featured soloist at the event along with MDC music department chairperson, Rodester Brandon.
As a member of the internationally-celebrated Dallas Brass, Neal has been displaying his oversized talent on the trumpet for over a decade.
His career has taken him to Russia, Europe and across the U.S, where he has performed at diverse venues - from the grand concert halls of Los Angeles and New York to school gymnasiums in small towns from Texas to Alaska.
Known for his singing trumpet, Neal has shared the stage with members of such prestigious groups as the Chicago Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, and San Francisco Symphony.
When he was hired at the college last fall, Neal said he was really looking forward to helping students not only learn to play their instrument correctly but to grasp the whole concept of performing.
Neal is so passionate about teaching that while on tour with the Dallas Brass, he and other members of the band offered workshops to aspiring musicians of all ages. “I came to relish that aspect of my work every bit as much as performing,” said Neal.
“I can’t tell you how gratifying it is to watch someone who is struggling to play an instrument suddenly ‘get it’. I’ve seen so many students go from being disinterested to wildly enthusiastic players after working with us for just a day.”
Neal hopes to translate the expertise he’s gained as a teacher and performer on the road to boosting the musical proficiency of his new charges. One of his key goals is to immerse students in the intimate milieu of chamber music playing.
“It’s the best way to train them to be better listeners, better leaders and better followers,” he added. “They’ll have to master all of those abilities to become well-rounded musicians.”
After years of being on the road touring, Neal is thrilled to be performing in his hometown. “When you peer out across the audience, it’s a great feeling to see so many familiar faces smiling back at you. That kind of warm reception you just can’t beat.”
MDC Faculty Member Brian Neal Performs with the School’s Wind Symphony
- WHEN: Saturday, Mar. 13, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- WHERE: Miami Dade College Kendall Campus, McCarthy Auditorium, 11011 S.W. 104th St., Kendall
- COST: Free admission
For more information about the free concert or the MDC Kendall Music Department, call 305-237-2282.
Media-only contacts:
Juan Mendieta, 305-237-7611, jmendiet@mdc.edu, MDC communications director
Tarnell Carroll, 305-237-3359, tcarroll@mdc.edu, Media Specialist
Sue Arrowsmith, 305-237-3710, sue.arrowsmith@mdc.edu, media specialist
Alejandro Rios, 305-237-7482, arios1@mdc.edu