Eastman’s Tuba Mirum ensemble performs in Kilbourn Hall
By Raffi Wright
Summer@Eastman is excited to welcome a new brass institute to our roster in 2022: the Eastman Summer Tuba & Euphonium Institute. Eastman alumnus Scott Tegge (Chicago-based performer and tuba/euphonium instructor at Northern Illinois University and the University of Illinois) joins Eastman faculty members Don Harry and Mark Kellogg in this week-long program for players of all ages and levels. The institute will feature masterclasses, special-topic presentations, ensemble playing (small and large tuba/euphonium groups), and private lessons with faculty. Summer@Eastman Marketing Assistant Raffi Wright talked with Scott Tegge to learn more about the new institute:
RW: What inspired you to start a tuba/euphonium institute for Summer@Eastman? How did this idea come about?
ST: I’ve been teaching tuba/euphonium summer programs for over a decade in Chicago and have always enjoyed bringing together students from a wide range of backgrounds for memorable summer experiences.
The idea of offering a Tuba/Euphonium Institute for Summer@Eastman came about because Summer@Eastman has a variety of other brass institutes, but there was no program for the tuba/euphonium students. I was inspired to propose one. I wanted to help create a platform for more students to be inspired by my former teacher Don Harry and mentor Mark Kellogg, both of whom were very influential in my own musical growth. I was thrilled when Eastman agreed.
RW: What are you most excited about for this course?
ST: I’m excited to explore the great chamber music that’s possible when tuba and euphonium players come together. One might not immediately think of chamber music as first option for a tuba/euphonium camp, but in fact there is much learning and fun to be had. I’m also excited to have conversations with the group about what it means to have a life in music, and to see light bulbs go off for the participants as they think about their futures. (And, of course, as an Eastman alum, I’m super excited to go to Java’s for coffee every day!)
Scott Tegge
RW: What do you hope participants will gain from this experience?
ST: Through the tuba/euphonium institute I hope participants will enjoy spending time with a community of people that share their love of music, and that they will be able to envision a life in music that is creative and meaningful, even if they might not follow what we think of as a “traditional” musical career path.
RW: What would you say to someone who wants to attend, but might be too nervous to take the leap and sign up?
ST: This institute really is meant to be for all levels of playing and backgrounds. While there will be intensive music making and learning, the ultimate goals of the institute are to make lasting connections, learn from each other, and have a great time while doing it. I encourage anyone who may be curious but apprehensive to reach out to me to learn more about the program.
RW: Is there anything else you would like to share either about yourself or about this course?
ST: As a proud Eastman alum, and having had several of my own students attend Eastman over the years, I can’t imagine a more inspiring place to come together to make music in the summer.
The Eastman Summer Tuba & Euphonium Institute runs July 25-29, 2022. In-person and online options available; visit the course page for details.