Collage of students playing winds and percussion instruments

Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion

The Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion Department prepares students to achieve technical proficiency—tone production, intonation, articulation, and rhythm—on their instruments, including flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, French horn, baritone, trombone, tuba, and percussion. Through PCM’s sequential curriculum, students learn to express themselves musically, develop musical responsibility, and acquire the skills necessary to participate in ensembles.

Adult Ensemble

August 27 – November 12, 2025
Wednesdays 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Instructor: Barbara Mullens Geier
Tuition: $360

Students in the adult flute ensemble will have the opportunity to sight read, develop better listening skills, improve rhythmic accuracy, and learn and perform ensemble repertoire.

Please contact the office to enroll: music@pasadenaconservatory.org or 626-683-3355.

Summer Offerings

Youth Camps

July 27 – August 1, 2026
Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Instructors: Danielle Ondarza and Mike Zonshine
Tuition: $695

Registration available soon!

At Brass Camp, we help you develop your sound, technique, and artistry. Brass Camp is a perfect way to build upon the skills you have, get back into shape before school begins, and improve your understanding of how your instrument works.

Each day includes a group warm-up, playing together as a full brass ensemble, and sectional time. We help you become more confident in reading music and knowing how to make the printed notes sound like the exciting music you want to play.

Ages 12+ are invited to enroll.

June 15 – June 19, 2026
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM*
Instructor: Danielle Ondarza
Tuition: $795

Registration available soon!

Come play with us! Start your summer with a week of hands-on time with musical instruments from the woodwind, brass, and percussion families. No musical knowledge or previous experience necessary. All you need is a sense of adventure and a willingness to make silly sounds.

Ages 8 – 11 are invited to enroll.

*Drop-off available at 8:30 am. Pick-up available until 4:00 pm.

June 18 – June 21, 2026
Thursday & Friday: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Instructors: Laura Stoutenborough and Micah Wright
Tuition: $395

Registration available soon!

Clarinet Camp focuses on fundamentals, including breathing, embouchure, and articulation. Led by PCM faculty members Laura Stoutenborough and Micah Wright, the camp features a master class by Andrew Lowy, second/E♭ clarinet player of the LA Philharmonic. This camp covers reed-work, practice techniques, and chamber music. All students play in a clarinet choir.

Ages 12+ are invited to enroll.

July 20 – 22, 2026
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00 – 6:00 pm
Instructor: Johanna Borenstein
Tuition: $395

Registration available soon!

PCM’s Flute Camp focuses on flute fundamentals, breathing, tone production, technique, articulation, and interval training. Led by PCM faculty Johanna Borenstein, the camp features a master class by Heather Clark, principal flautist for the Pasadena and Long Beach symphonies. This camp also features a small repair and maintenance class. There will be etude studies, practice techniques, and chamber music. All students will play in a Flute choir!

Ages 12+ are invited to enroll.

Adult Ensembles

July 24 – July 26, 2026
Friday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Instructors: Danielle Ondarza and Mike Zonshine
Tuition: $625

Registration available soon!

PCM’s three-day Adult Brass Retreat brings players together to delve into all things brass. Each day covers a range of brass-centric topics. We start with a morning warm-up to get our air moving, practice proper pedagogy, and develop our sound. Next, we play together as both a large brass ensemble and in smaller chamber music groups, delving into repertoire from the Renaissance to the modern. Each day concludes with a masterclass by a great artist or artisan from our rich Los Angeles brass community.

Whether you are a weekend warrior, a comeback player, a music educator, or a part-time musician, we have something for you. Join our community for a week of brass immersion.