Workshops

Looking for personalized guidance with your ensembles? I provide clinics to bands of all levels, from elementary to professional.

Workshop and clinic curriculum

Brass Fundamentals

  • Tone development: how to create a full, warm sound

  • Air support and breathing practice

  • Range: playing low notes, high notes, and all the notes in-between!

Classical ensemble training

  • Individualized lessons for all brass musicians: trumpet, horn, euphonium/baritone, trombone, bass trombone, tuba

  • Playing as a section: how to find balance, presence, and clarity

  • Brass ensemble exercises and repertoire

Jazz training

  • Developing a great swing feel and capability across styles

  • How to play as a big band from the individual to the entire ensemble

  • Improvisation for all levels: building confidence and having fun!

Previous clinics and festivals

Spencer has worked with the following educational institutions and festivals across the SF Bay Area and beyond:

middle & high schools

  • Acalanes High School

  • Amador Valley High School

  • College Park High School

  • Dougherty Valley High School

  • Dublin High School

  • Harvest Park Middle School

  • Head-Royce School

  • Mt. Eden High School

  • Sequoia Middle School

  • Valley View Middle School

Extracurricular programs

  • Contra Costa County Honor Band

  • East Bay Jazz High School All-Stars

  • San Jose Jazz High School All-Stars

  • Santa Barbara Youth Symphony

Colleges & Universities

  • Chabot College

  • Las Positas College

  • San Jose State University

  • Santa Clara University

festivals , camps, and conferences

  • Campana Jazz Festival

  • CMEA Bay Section

  • Las Positas College Summer Jazz Camp