Paul Bryan, Artistic Coordinator and Conductor
Paul Bryan is a graduate of The Curtis Institute of Music and Temple University where he studied trombone with Glenn Dodson and Eric Carlson, respectively. He currently serves as Artistic Coordinator and Conductor of Bravo Brass – the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Brass Ensemble, a faculty member at Temple University's Esther Boyer College of Music, Music Director of Symphony in C's Summer Symphony Camp and conductor of The Rodney Mack Philadelphia Big Brass. Paul has also conducted performances with The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia wind and brass ensembles and The Curtis Institute of Music Brass and Percussion Ensemble. Previously, Paul served as Director of Bands at St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia and a conductor at the New York Summer Music Festival in Oneonta, New York.
In addition to his work with the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra and the Rodney Mack Philadelphia Big Brass, Paul will conduct a variety of ensembles in performance during the 2007 — 08 season including the Philadelphia All-City Concert Band, the CJMEA (New Jersey Region II) All-Region Orchestra and The Curtis Institute of Music Brass and Percussion Ensemble. As a trombonist, Paul has been heard in a variety of groups in the Delaware Valley. He has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Delaware Symphony, Reading Symphony, Orchestra 2001, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and the Opera Company of Philadelphia.
In addition to his teaching duties at Temple, Paul has an extensive private studio. Trombone students of his have sat first chair in the Pennsylvania All-State Band and Orchestra, Pennsylvania All-State Jazz Band, New Jersey All-State Wind Ensemble and Orchestra and New Jersey All-State Jazz Band, as well as many other honor ensembles. Paul's students have gained acceptance to the finest schools including the Eastman School of Music, the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, the New England Conservatory of Music, the Peabody Conservatory and the music schools of Northwestern University, Indiana University, Boston University, Catholic University, the University of Southern California, and the University of Michigan. A number of Paul's students have also been accepted to and attended the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Governor's Schools for the Arts.
One of Paul Bryan's graduating students writes, "More than anything, I admire his passion and commitment to music. Paul has always helped me see farther and deeper into the music. He has shown me the infinite possibilities of any given note or phrase, and he is constantly pushing me to take risks and to "make music" as opposed to just playing it."
Following a Curtis Brass and Percussion Ensemble performance of his Symphony in Brass, composer Eric Ewazen wrote, "I was thrilled — genuinely thrilled — with your performance of my piece! Your interpretation was stunning! The energy — the riveting momentum and heartfelt lyricism that you brought out was a joy for me to hear!"
Don Liuzzi, principal timpanist of The Philadelphia Orchestra writes, "They {Bravo Brass – the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Brass Ensemble} play so sensitively and with real integrity – a real reflection of you and your musical leadership."
Paul lives in Cherry Hill, New Jersey with his wife Michelle Rosen, principal bassoonist of The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, and his sons Joshua and Jeremy. In his spare time, Paul serves as the Registrar at The Curtis Institute of Music.
Eric Schweingruber is Lecturer in Trumpet at Temple University and an active freelance musician. He appears frequently with The Philadelphia Orchestra as a substitute and extra musician, having performed on the orchestra's international tours in 2004 and 2005, and has been involved in several recordings made by the ensemble. He has held the post of Principal Trumpet in both the Bay-Atlantic and Haddonfield Symphonies. Mr. Schweingruber has also performed with the Opera Company of Philadelphia, the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, the Oslo Philharmonic, the Reading and Delaware Symphonies, has performed on numerous occasions as a soloists with the Ocean City Pops, and has appeared with many other regional orchestras and brass ensembles. Mr. Schweingruber also teaches at the Luzerne Music Center each summer, and holds a bachelor's and master's degree from Temple University.
Robert Skoniczin is a native of Southeastern Pennsylvania. An active freelance musician, Rob performs in a variety of settings and locales. He is Principal Trumpet with OperaDelaware and has performed with The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Bach Choir (and Festival Orchestra) of Bethlehem (PA), New Jersey Opera Theatre, Opera Company of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Orchestra Community Outreach, Peter Nero and the Phillly Pops, Reading Symphony, Ocean City Pops, Wilmington String Ensemble, Gramercy Brass Orchestra, Sammy Kaye Orchestra, and Brian Pastor Big Band. Rob has played for numerous touring Broadway shows in Philadelphia and Wilmington. He has backed various star attractions such as Martina McBride, Anne Murray, Pete Fountain, Collin Raye, Marvin Hamlisch, Mannheim Steamroller, and performed for such dignitaries as Mother Teresa and Chinese President Jiang Zemin during their visits to the United States. Rob can be heard on several recordings including Manhattan Transfer's DVD The Christmas Concert, American Anthems with the Gramercy Brass Orchestra, and numerous spots for NFL Films.
After graduating as the valedictorian of his high school class, Rob received a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Gettysburg College and his Master of Music Degree in Orchestral Performance from Manhattan School of Music. His principal teachers have included Vince Penzarella of the New York Philharmonic and Christopher Tranchitella of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra. In 2002, Rob received the Cecil Collins Award from Manhattan School of Music for Outstanding Brass Performance.
In 2007, Rob was named Associate Conductor for Bravo Brass, The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Brass Ensemble program. This ensemble is designed to further the musicianship of advanced middle school and high school brass and percussion players of the greater Delaware Valley region.
Rob is a member of the National Band Association, the International Trumpet Guild, the American Federation of Musicians, and Phi Beta Kappa.
Barry McCommon began his career while still enrolled at the Curtis Institute of Music. His versatility has earned him respect as a "crossover" artist, performing in concert halls to clubs with anyone from The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia to the Jaco Pastorius Big Band to R&B legend Aretha Franklin. Bass Trombonist for The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, OperaDelaware, Ocean City Pops, Reading Symphony Orchestra, trombonist with Jose Berrios y su Orquesta, and former/original trombonist with Philly Transit Authority, he's also performed in wide-ranging musical circles from classical (Luciano Pavarotti), commercial (Linda Eder), jazz (Randy Brecker), R&B (Patti Labelle), to Pop/Rock (Peter Cetera) and many, many, more–a "who's who" performing in Philly, New York, and Atlantic City. For over a decade, Barry's been a mainstay at many music festivals—Bethlehem Musikfest, Berks Jazzfest, Cape May Music Festival, Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, and more. In addition to his many live performances, Barry is also busy in the recording studio. He has recorded for independent and major label releases, sessions for NFL Films (Emmy winning soundtracks), NASCAR (featured in IMAX theaters nationwide), Hasbro, Inc., commercials/jingles, Warner Bros (publications and major motion pictures), numerous radio broadcasts, and has appeared in television broadcasts both here in the United States and abroad. The long list of musicians with whom he's performed includes Eddie Daniels, Joey DeFrancesco, Herbie Hancock, Dave Grusin, Claudio Roditi, Gerald Veasley, Victor Wooten, Take 6, Maureen McGovern, Rosemary Clooney, Judy Collins, Peabo Bryson, Randy Newman, broadway performers Marvin Hamlisch, Julie Andrews, Rita Moreno, as well as Sesame Street star Bob McGrath; he's also acted in a musical skit with author/radio personality Garrison Keillor.
Karen Schubert is a graduate of The Curtis Institute of Music, and an active participant in the greater Philadelphia music scene. She is currently principal horn with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra and Opera New Jersey, and acting Principal Horn with The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. She performed with the Opera Company of Philadelphia as acting Principal Horn from Sept. 2006-November 2007. Karen is also a member of The Fairmount Brass Quartet and has also performed with the Boston Brass and the Philadelphia Brass. She has worked with many of the area's other ensembles including, among others, the Philadelphia Singers, OperaDelaware, the Choral Arts Society, and the orchestra of the Prince Theater. Karen has performed as soloist with The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and The Kennett Symphony of Chester County. In addition to her busy performing schedule, Karen maintains a private teaching studio. When not working, she enjoys traveling, kayaking, and shopping–she has way too many pairs of shoes.
Brian Brown earned his Bachelor and Master degrees from the Juilliard School. His major teachers include Paul Krzywicki, Don Harry, Donald Harwood and Vincent Penzarella. He is currently principal tuba of the Philly Pops, Delaware Symphony Orchestra and The Stamford (Conn.) Symphony Orchestra. As an active freelance musician, Mr. Brown has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, The Pennsylvania Ballet, and the Opera Company of Philadelphia among others. He is Adjunct Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at the College of New Jersey,Rowan University and instructor of tuba at Princeton University. Mr. Brown is a member of the Westminster Brass and the Rowan University Faculty Brass Quintet.
In addition to his work with the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra and the Rodney Mack Philadelphia Big Brass, Paul will conduct a variety of ensembles in performance during the 2007 — 08 season including the Philadelphia All-City Concert Band, the CJMEA (New Jersey Region II) All-Region Orchestra and The Curtis Institute of Music Brass and Percussion Ensemble. As a trombonist, Paul has been heard in a variety of groups in the Delaware Valley. He has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Delaware Symphony, Reading Symphony, Orchestra 2001, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and the Opera Company of Philadelphia.
In addition to his teaching duties at Temple, Paul has an extensive private studio. Trombone students of his have sat first chair in the Pennsylvania All-State Band and Orchestra, Pennsylvania All-State Jazz Band, New Jersey All-State Wind Ensemble and Orchestra and New Jersey All-State Jazz Band, as well as many other honor ensembles. Paul's students have gained acceptance to the finest schools including the Eastman School of Music, the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, the New England Conservatory of Music, the Peabody Conservatory and the music schools of Northwestern University, Indiana University, Boston University, Catholic University, the University of Southern California, and the University of Michigan. A number of Paul's students have also been accepted to and attended the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Governor's Schools for the Arts.
One of Paul Bryan's graduating students writes, "More than anything, I admire his passion and commitment to music. Paul has always helped me see farther and deeper into the music. He has shown me the infinite possibilities of any given note or phrase, and he is constantly pushing me to take risks and to "make music" as opposed to just playing it."
Following a Curtis Brass and Percussion Ensemble performance of his Symphony in Brass, composer Eric Ewazen wrote, "I was thrilled — genuinely thrilled — with your performance of my piece! Your interpretation was stunning! The energy — the riveting momentum and heartfelt lyricism that you brought out was a joy for me to hear!"
Don Liuzzi, principal timpanist of The Philadelphia Orchestra writes, "They {Bravo Brass – the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Brass Ensemble} play so sensitively and with real integrity – a real reflection of you and your musical leadership."
Paul lives in Cherry Hill, New Jersey with his wife Michelle Rosen, principal bassoonist of The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, and his sons Joshua and Jeremy. In his spare time, Paul serves as the Registrar at The Curtis Institute of Music.
Eric Schweingruber is Lecturer in Trumpet at Temple University and an active freelance musician. He appears frequently with The Philadelphia Orchestra as a substitute and extra musician, having performed on the orchestra's international tours in 2004 and 2005, and has been involved in several recordings made by the ensemble. He has held the post of Principal Trumpet in both the Bay-Atlantic and Haddonfield Symphonies. Mr. Schweingruber has also performed with the Opera Company of Philadelphia, the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, the Oslo Philharmonic, the Reading and Delaware Symphonies, has performed on numerous occasions as a soloists with the Ocean City Pops, and has appeared with many other regional orchestras and brass ensembles. Mr. Schweingruber also teaches at the Luzerne Music Center each summer, and holds a bachelor's and master's degree from Temple University.
Robert Skoniczin is a native of Southeastern Pennsylvania. An active freelance musician, Rob performs in a variety of settings and locales. He is Principal Trumpet with OperaDelaware and has performed with The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Bach Choir (and Festival Orchestra) of Bethlehem (PA), New Jersey Opera Theatre, Opera Company of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Orchestra Community Outreach, Peter Nero and the Phillly Pops, Reading Symphony, Ocean City Pops, Wilmington String Ensemble, Gramercy Brass Orchestra, Sammy Kaye Orchestra, and Brian Pastor Big Band. Rob has played for numerous touring Broadway shows in Philadelphia and Wilmington. He has backed various star attractions such as Martina McBride, Anne Murray, Pete Fountain, Collin Raye, Marvin Hamlisch, Mannheim Steamroller, and performed for such dignitaries as Mother Teresa and Chinese President Jiang Zemin during their visits to the United States. Rob can be heard on several recordings including Manhattan Transfer's DVD The Christmas Concert, American Anthems with the Gramercy Brass Orchestra, and numerous spots for NFL Films.
After graduating as the valedictorian of his high school class, Rob received a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Gettysburg College and his Master of Music Degree in Orchestral Performance from Manhattan School of Music. His principal teachers have included Vince Penzarella of the New York Philharmonic and Christopher Tranchitella of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra. In 2002, Rob received the Cecil Collins Award from Manhattan School of Music for Outstanding Brass Performance.
In 2007, Rob was named Associate Conductor for Bravo Brass, The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Brass Ensemble program. This ensemble is designed to further the musicianship of advanced middle school and high school brass and percussion players of the greater Delaware Valley region.
Rob is a member of the National Band Association, the International Trumpet Guild, the American Federation of Musicians, and Phi Beta Kappa.
Barry McCommon began his career while still enrolled at the Curtis Institute of Music. His versatility has earned him respect as a "crossover" artist, performing in concert halls to clubs with anyone from The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia to the Jaco Pastorius Big Band to R&B legend Aretha Franklin. Bass Trombonist for The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, OperaDelaware, Ocean City Pops, Reading Symphony Orchestra, trombonist with Jose Berrios y su Orquesta, and former/original trombonist with Philly Transit Authority, he's also performed in wide-ranging musical circles from classical (Luciano Pavarotti), commercial (Linda Eder), jazz (Randy Brecker), R&B (Patti Labelle), to Pop/Rock (Peter Cetera) and many, many, more–a "who's who" performing in Philly, New York, and Atlantic City. For over a decade, Barry's been a mainstay at many music festivals—Bethlehem Musikfest, Berks Jazzfest, Cape May Music Festival, Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, and more. In addition to his many live performances, Barry is also busy in the recording studio. He has recorded for independent and major label releases, sessions for NFL Films (Emmy winning soundtracks), NASCAR (featured in IMAX theaters nationwide), Hasbro, Inc., commercials/jingles, Warner Bros (publications and major motion pictures), numerous radio broadcasts, and has appeared in television broadcasts both here in the United States and abroad. The long list of musicians with whom he's performed includes Eddie Daniels, Joey DeFrancesco, Herbie Hancock, Dave Grusin, Claudio Roditi, Gerald Veasley, Victor Wooten, Take 6, Maureen McGovern, Rosemary Clooney, Judy Collins, Peabo Bryson, Randy Newman, broadway performers Marvin Hamlisch, Julie Andrews, Rita Moreno, as well as Sesame Street star Bob McGrath; he's also acted in a musical skit with author/radio personality Garrison Keillor.
Karen Schubert is a graduate of The Curtis Institute of Music, and an active participant in the greater Philadelphia music scene. She is currently principal horn with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra and Opera New Jersey, and acting Principal Horn with The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. She performed with the Opera Company of Philadelphia as acting Principal Horn from Sept. 2006-November 2007. Karen is also a member of The Fairmount Brass Quartet and has also performed with the Boston Brass and the Philadelphia Brass. She has worked with many of the area's other ensembles including, among others, the Philadelphia Singers, OperaDelaware, the Choral Arts Society, and the orchestra of the Prince Theater. Karen has performed as soloist with The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia and The Kennett Symphony of Chester County. In addition to her busy performing schedule, Karen maintains a private teaching studio. When not working, she enjoys traveling, kayaking, and shopping–she has way too many pairs of shoes.
Brian Brown earned his Bachelor and Master degrees from the Juilliard School. His major teachers include Paul Krzywicki, Don Harry, Donald Harwood and Vincent Penzarella. He is currently principal tuba of the Philly Pops, Delaware Symphony Orchestra and The Stamford (Conn.) Symphony Orchestra. As an active freelance musician, Mr. Brown has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, The Pennsylvania Ballet, and the Opera Company of Philadelphia among others. He is Adjunct Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at the College of New Jersey,Rowan University and instructor of tuba at Princeton University. Mr. Brown is a member of the Westminster Brass and the Rowan University Faculty Brass Quintet.