Last summer, PCM faculty Danielle Ondarza, Mike Zonshine, and Kevin Truong organized a weeklong brass camp that culminated in a final performance featuring all seven students. “My main focus has been on their individual growth,” shared Kevin. “I want to make sure that everyone is a little bit better each day, whatever that means for them.” Students all played different instruments and had varying levels of skill and experience, so that focus and approach to instruction was key. 

All of these students were new to PCM, with one coming all the way from Arizona. They all joined the camp because of their love for brass instruments and to improve their skills. Below, the students shared why they joined and their favorite part of the week.

Jack Chang: “I joined to get ready for school, and my favorite part was practicing to get the notes clearer.” 

Owen Ketchel: “I joined because I wanted to get back to playing my horn.”

Siena Koch: “I’m really passionate about playing the horn, so I wanted the opportunity to get better at it. I learned how to get a better tone and how to manage being a brass player.”

Donovan Brown: “I joined because I wanted to practice more. I liked getting to work on my intonation.”

Owen Matsui: “I joined to work on playing my trombone, and I learned how to use my pedal.”

Selin Mudar: “I wanted to get ready for the school year, and my highlight of the week was learning how to take care of my trombone.”

Are you or anyone you know interested in learning more about PCM’s Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion Department summer camps? 

View our Summer 2026 WBP offerings

We hope to see you on campus soon!