Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble
The Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is a chamber group made up of undergraduate music students. The ensemble provides an opportunity for students to focus on chamber music skills while exploring the repertoire written or arranged for this combination of instruments.
The group performs a variety of music, including original works for tuba-euphonium ensemble, transcriptions of classical pieces, and arrangements from a range of styles. Students gain experience working together in a small ensemble setting, developing listening, balance, and ensemble awareness. The ensemble is also a forum for exploring less familiar repertoire and bringing attention to the unique sound of low brass instruments.
In addition to concerts on campus, the ensemble occasionally performs at community and regional events. These performances give students the opportunity to share their work beyond the university and to represent the Department of Music in the community.
The ensemble is directed by Dr. Dan Sipes, Professor of Music at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
The Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble offers students the chance to develop as musicians while contributing to the musical life of the university and the Corpus Christi community.
Dr. Dan Sipes is Professor of Low Brass at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi and Tubist with both the Corpus Christi Symphony and the Corpus Christi Ballet Orchestra. A versatile performer, he has appeared as a soloist across the United States, including New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Texas, California, Illinois, and more recently in North and South Carolina. He was featured soloist with the Corpus Christi Symphony and has performed with chamber ensembles at the Spoleto Festival, the Lucerne Music Festival, and on National Public Radio. His orchestral experience includes engagements with the San Antonio, Phoenix, North Carolina, Charlotte, and Charleston Symphonies, as well as the National Opera Company Orchestra.
Dan has taught at numerous institutions, including the University of Texas–San Antonio, Trinity University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Texas A&M University–Kingsville, Western Carolina University, Appalachian State University, and Lenoir-Rhyne College. He has presented clinics at universities and conferences nationwide. He holds a Bachelor of Music Performance degree from Arizona State University, a Master of Music Performance from Appalachian State University, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with emphasis in Educational Technology from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. His primary teachers include Arnold Jacobs, Roger Bobo, and John Sizemore.
In addition to his academic and performance work, Dr. Sipes has extensive experience in the music industry. He served as national sales manager and director of marketing for Orpheus Music, overseeing marketing strategies, product development, and international distribution. He also worked with The Tuba Exchange as clinician and marketing director, editing The Bass Horn newsletter for a worldwide readership. His additional professional roles include personnel manager for the Corpus Christi Ballet Orchestra, audio engineer for the Corpus Christi Symphony, and Interim Executive Director for the Corpus Christi Symphony in 2017 and 2021.
Dr. Sipes helped launch the music industry curriculum at Texas A&M–Corpus Christi, establishing a minor in 2007 and a Bachelor of Music with emphasis in music industry in 2017. He is a Buffet Group/Meinl Weston Performing Artist.
