Fish Brosmer, a trumpet performance major at Georgia State University, recently had the opportunity to attend the prestigious National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute (NSOsmi) held in Washington D.C. from June 26 to July 24.
The NSOsmi is an intensive, four-week music program designed for high school and college student instrumentalists aspiring to become professional musicians. Sixty exceptional young musicians from the around the world are invited, and among them was Fish Brosmer, a 19-year-old trumpet player from Georgia State's School of Music.
Throughout the program, Brosmer collaborated closely with other musicians in chamber ensembles, fostering creativity and camaraderie. He also had the honor of receiving exclusive one-on-one lessons with the principal trumpet player of the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO).
"One of my favorite highlights was the side-by-side rehearsal with the NSO," Brosmer said. "We had the opportunity to sit next to musicians who we aspire to be. They played with us and allowed us to play on our own so we could learn in a real orchestra experience."
Another significant aspect of NSOsmi were the exclusive masterclasses led by members of the NSO. Brosmer said he learned from distinguished performers and gained valuable insights into refining his technique and interpreting classical repertoire.
"I gained so so much, but I believe the number one takeaway is sound projection. The musicians in the NSO play not louder but more present, and that leads to a 'broader' sound," he said. "We [young musicians] don't realize how much air they put through their horns when we're sitting in the audience. It's unbelievable,"
The crowning achievement of the program was the culminating performance at the Kennedy Center.
"I'm very happy that he went for this opportunity, not only to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. but also with members of the National Symphony Orchestra," said Dr. Alex Freund, Brosmer's trumpet professor. "Experiences like this shape a young musician's mind."
Brosmer said the experience has undoubtedly shaped his musical journey.
"This is a program like no other," he said. "Getting to work with the NSO and perform in the Kennedy Center? That's unheard of."
Video Performances
The National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute Orchestra presents two concerts as part of its annual four-week orchestral and chamber music festival. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the program and features musicians ages 15–20 from 22 states and three countries.
Read more information and view the full program here.