We are thrilled to announce the upcoming 2025 Worcester Summer Music Institute, which will be held this year at Worcester's South High Community High School. In partnership with OpporTUNEity, the Summer Music Institute is an intensive, week-long music program open to all incoming students of grades 9-12. Students will have the opportunity to attend rehearsals, workshops and masterclasses hosted by top instrumentalists and conductors from across the country.

Instructors include renowned conductors and educators, Dr. Andrea Brown, Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Maryland, and Senior Band Conductor and Director of Wind Ensembles at Vanderbilt University, Dr. Thomas E. Verrier.

Established in 2019 by founding member of Boston Brass, Jeff Conner, this is the sixth year the Summer Music Institute will be returning.

Here at OpporTUNEity, we are driven by the belief that every student, regardless of background, should have access to quality music education. The Worcester Summer Music Institute is a key extension of our mission, offering students unique opportunities to learn from top professionals in their field, refine their skills as musicians, and develop life skills that extend beyond the classroom.

By partnering with experienced musicians and educators, we provide a platform for all young musicians to explore their potential in a supportive and inclusive environment. The Summer Music Institute is designed not just as an educational experience, but as a space for students to collaborate, strengthen their leadership skills, and build confidence.

Through the Summer Music Institute, we aim to bridge the gap for students who lack access to music education within their communities, providing them with the tools and resources needed to pursue their interests both in music and beyond. This program exemplifies our commitment to nurturing creativity and fostering a sense of belonging for every student.

Jeff Conner is the only original member of Boston Brass that plays with the group today. Conner holds a master’s degree in Music from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree in Music from Boston Conservatory of Music. Conner founded Boston Brass in 1986 alongside other Boston musicians while a student at Boston University. Conner has led the group to international fame and recognition. Boston Brass offers a unique musical experience for its audiences, bringing the best of classical brass music to both regular and new concertgoers. The quintet has performed in all 50 U.S. states as well as in over 30 countries. In addition to performing as a quintet, Boston Brass also collaborates with composers, orchestras, concert and marching bands, organists, and jazz bands across the world. 

While growing Boston Brass over the past 30 years, Conner has kept music education at the center of his career. Boston Brass leads masterclasses and residencies at the world’s most prestigious institutions, including the Eastman School of Music, The Juilliard School, the Royal Academy of Music in London, and Yong Siew Toh Conservatory in Singapore. In partnership with the Yamaha Corporation, Boston Brass toured major Chinese music conservatories in 2018 and was appointed to the International Artist Advisory Council to the College of Music at Mahidol University in Thailand in 2021.

As a Yamaha Performing Artist, Conner has taught and performed at the Mid West Band and Orchestra Clinic, the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, Music Educators National Conference events, the American Bandmaster Association Conference, The American Band College, the Western International band Clinic, and the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention. Conner has also run an entrepreneurial clinic, “The Portfolio Musician,” at universities across the U.S., teaching young musicians how to maximize their potential within the music industry. He is also the co-author of The Portfolio Musician: Case Studies in Success with Grammy-nominated musician John Laverty.

Conner remains committed to his Massachusetts roots and now teaches as a Trumpet & Brass Consultant at Burncoat Middle School. He also teaches at the higher-ed level within the Central Mass area. The Summer Music Institute is another opportunity for Conner to connect with young musicians within the Worcester County area. OpporTUNEity is honored to partner with an esteemed musician committed to strengthening musician education within the Worcester area.

Image: The 2024 Worcester Summer Music Institute gathers for a group photo.

In 2024, we were honored to host Dr. Patricia Cornett, Director of Bands at Temple University, and Dr. Eric Melley, Director of Bands at Providence College. Masterclasses were led by “The President’s Own” Ryan Nowlin, Monica Ellis of Imani Winds, Allison Lacasse of SLAM Servant Leadership, and Mitchell Lutch of the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. All highly accomplished and respected in the fields of music education and performance, Dr. Cornett, Dr. Melley, and all the masterclass guests brought their musical expertise and leadership to the Institute. 

The 2024 Summer Institute culminated in a beautifully curated final performance with Dr. Cornett and Dr. Melley taking the podium and directing students in a diverse program, including works of J.S. Bach, Katahj Copley, and Cait Nishimura, offering students an opportunity to explore musical works across multiple eras and genres.

Dr. Thomas E. Verrier

A world-renowned conductor, musician, educator, author, and pedagogue, Dr. Verrier has traveled across the globe to share his expertise. He currently serves as the Conductor of the Vanderbilt Wind Symphony, Artistic Advisor of the Hong Kong Wind Ensemble, and National Executive Secretary of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA). Beyond his dedication to teaching and training fellow musicians and educators, Dr. Verrier has recorded four award-winning commercials CDs, authored books including The Ensemble Musician, and presented numerous sessions on musicianship and pedagogy at many of the world’s largest music conferences. 

Dr. Andrea E. Brown

A celebrated conductor, educator, and advocate, Dr. Andrea E. Brown currently serves as Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Maryland, where she leads the Wind Ensemble and directs the Mighty Sound of Maryland. Dr. Brown is a frequent guest conductor and clinician across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, having presented at top international conferences such as the Midwest Clinic and the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Conference. An advocate for equity in music, Dr. Brown is the founder of Women Rising to the Podium, serves on the CBDNA Gender and Ethnicity Minority Committee, and is a member of DCI's recently-formed In Step Initiative Committee. Her work is featured in GIA's Teaching Music Through Performance in Band Series, and she remains active as a DCI adjudicator and instructor.

Joining Dr. Verrier and Dr. Brown are Summer Institute Staff Members Jeff Conner, Melissa Martiros, Brian McCullock, Mark Weissman, Danielle Russo, and Ally Lacasse.