Saturdays 10–11:30 am, 9/26–12/5; No class 11/28
| Age | Youth |
| Event Type | Class |
| Department | Ensembles, Funk |
| Day | Sat |
| Instructor | Alli Torf |
| Status | inperson event |
Explore the vibrant tradition of New Orleans brass band music in this high-energy ensemble. Drawing on the music of groups such as the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Rebirth Brass Band, Hot 8 Brass Band, and other leaders of the tradition, students develop groove, ensemble playing, improvisation, and the powerful collective sound that defines New Orleans brass bands.
Music is learned primarily by ear, with an emphasis on call-and-response, stylistic vocabulary, rhythmic feel, and the performance practices that make this music both musical and deeply interactive. Rehearsals may also incorporate movement and other elements of the second-line tradition.
Traditional instrumentation includes sousaphone, trombones, trumpets, saxophones, clarinet, snare drum, and bass drum, but guitar, electric bass, drum set, piano, and voice are also welcome. Tap dancers may participate on select pieces, reflecting the longstanding connection between brass band music and dance in New Orleans.
Admission is by audition.
Saturdays 10–11:30 am
9/26–12/5
No class 11/28
Alli Torf, $475
(in-person)
Application & Audition Information
For audition guidelines and to submit an application, visit:
Young Ensembles Application & Audition Information
About Alli Torf
Alli Torf (she/they) is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Music Education at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. Her coursework focuses on jazz studies, and her research examines systemic issues in secondary band education in the United States.
She earned a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2021, where she studied French horn with Bernhard Scully and performed in the university’s premier ensembles. During her time at UIUC, she was a founding member of the APBC Brass Quintet and served on the School of Music’s curriculum equity committee.
Outside of the Jazzschool, Alli has worked as a middle and high school director of bands, directing concert bands, jazz big bands, jazz combos, marching band, and pep band. In January 2026, she presented at the Illinois Music Education Conference on bringing a dynamic, creative, and inclusive approach to ensemble music-making.