Ouachita
Baptist University
Low Brass
Studio
Interested in the OBU Studio?
Submit the form below and you will be contacted with information about the growing program here at OBU.
Prospective Students FAQ
We are very excited about the growth in the OBU low brass studio, and are always looking to add talented and hard-working students to our numbers. Here are answers to a few of the questions you might have as you consider coming to OBU:
What music related degrees does OBU offer? What performing opportunities are available at OBU? If interested, how do I become a student at OBU? Are music scholarships available for music majors and non-majors? What is the time commitment of a scholarship recipient? What should I play at my audition? Am I expected to own my own instrument? What other expenses are there as a music major? Who should I contact for masterclasses/sectionals? Who should I contact if I'm interested in taking private lessons?Music Related Degrees
OBU offers the following degrees relevant to instrumental music:
To learn more about these degrees contact Dr. Bynum.
If you are interested in pursuing one of these degrees at OBU, please do the following:
Express your interest by contacting Dr. Bynum. You may submit the form on the right or call (870) 245-5144.
Make sure you have taken or are scheduled to take the ACT or SAT.
Complete and submit an OBU admission application.
Schedule a scholarship audition time by calling (870) 245-5144 or by emailing bynumj@obu.edu
Find the specific requirements of the following:
The OBU Instrumental Program offers scholarship assistance for both music majors and non-majors. While the monetary award is higher for music majors, we are also committed to providing artistic outlets for students who have chosen an alternative career path but hope to remain active on their instrument. The audition process is the same, regardless of choice of major.
The scholarship requirements for music majors are:
The scholarship requirements for non-majors are:
- Participation in one large ensemble per semester
- Participation in the appropriate chamber ensemble
- Enrollment in applied lessons
Non-majors are also offered additional scholarship money for joining additional ensembles (such as chamber groups, jazz band, pep band, etc.)
- Participation in one large ensemble per semester
- Enrollment in applied lessons for at least one semester
Choice of audition material is flexible, but should demonstrate a high level of confidence in both lyrical and technical styles. Potential music majors should expect scales and sight-reading as part of the audition.
If you have any questions about suitable repertoire, please contact Josh Bynum. Appropriate audition material would be:
- All-State/All-Region Audition Material
- Standard Solo Repertoire
- Technical and Lyrical Etudes
Familiarize yourself with the Instrumental Scholarship Audition Guidelines
Tenor trombone majors should have a .547 bore tenor trombone with f-attachment (such as a Bach 42B). If they have a legitimate interest in jazz, a .500 or .525 bore instrument (such as a King 2B) is necessary.
Bass trombone majors should have a .562 bore instrument with F/Gb independent valves (such as a Getzen 1050 F/D). Though bell size is variable, 9.5" is preferable.
Euphonium majors should have a four valve compensating instrument (such as a Willson 2900S).
Tuba majors should have a four valve (either rotary or piston) 3/4 or 4/4 BBb instrument (such as a Miraphone or Meinl Weston). For tuba majors interested in orchestral performance, a CC tuba will eventually be needed as well (such as a Miraphone or York).
Tenor trombone students (major or non-major) must have their own instrument. While it is highly encouraged, students of the bass trombone, euphonium, and tuba are not initially required to own an instrument. However, music majors not owning an instrument will be expected to make a purchase within the first year of study. A suitable instrument will be determined with quality as well as budget in mind.
Every student must own a suitable mouthpiece. In addition, students are responsible for purchasing the necessary materials to maintain their instruments in excellent working condition.
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As a music major, you will be required to purchase etude and solo material each semester. These materials serve as the foundation for your course of study, and are an absolute necessity. Dr. Bynum will assign material on an individual basis. An exhaustive list of solo and etude materials can be found in the various course of studies.
Students are also encouraged to purchase music and recordings from various genres on a regular basis. Building an extensive library of resources is invaluable for both the future educator and performer.
It will also be necessary for trombone majors to own a straight mute and cup mute. Preferable models are Denis Wick and Jo-Ral.
Low Brass majors will be expected to join the appropriate organizations and associations:
Pre-College Study
Dr. Bynum is regularly invited to run low brass sectionals for area schools in preparation for concerts and competitions. He also helps prepare students for All-State as well as Solo and Ensemble contests. His private students have placed in the top chairs for the All-State bands of Alabama, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Iowa, and Arkansas. Several have successfully competed at the state and regional levels of the MTNA Solo Competition.
Students from grades 6-12 can take weekly lessons to improve their playing and prepare for upcoming auditions. If you are interested in joining the pre-college studio please contact Professor Bynum by calling (870) 245-5144.