The ARMES Brass program provides dedicated young brass musicians with a unique opportunity to study their instrument in depth while developing the discipline, artistry, and confidence needed for long-term musical success. With a curriculum that balances technical training and collaborative performance, the program challenges students to grow as both individual players and ensemble members. Classes are led by professional musicians who perform in professional orchestras and bring real-world experience to every lesson, ensuring students learn from accomplished, working artists.

In the first semester, students concentrate on the fundamentals that set strong players apart. Through etude preparation, scale studies, tone development, and sight-reading, students strengthen their technical facility, expand their range, and refine their sound. This focused work builds strong independent musicianship skills needed for upcoming honor band auditions.

The second semester shifts the spotlight to chamber music, where students apply their individual skills within the context of small ensembles. In this setting, musicians learn to listen with greater awareness, respond with flexibility, and contribute meaningfully to the group’s overall interpretation. These experiences foster collaboration and artistic maturity, all while providing students with the rewarding experience of performing challenging repertoire with their peers.

Classes meet once per week for 2 ½ hours, offering concentrated instruction and rehearsal time. This structure allows for individualized feedback, group learning, and ensemble preparation within a supportive and focused environment.

By the end of the year, students emerge with sharper technical skills, stronger ensemble awareness, and a deeper appreciation for the art of brass performance. For parents, the ARMES Brass program also lays a strong foundation for success in school bands, orchestras, and future musical pursuits, giving students the skills and confidence to excel both on stage and in life.

Craig has degrees in trumpet performance from Yale School of Music (MM) and Furman University (BM). He recently won the Second Trumpet position in the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra and performs frequently with the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, Spartanburg Philharmonic, GSO Brass Quintet, Greenville Jazz Collective Big Band, Project X Big Band, Flat Rock Playhouse, Foothills Brass Band, as well as the Asheville Symphony, and South Carolina Philharmonic. Craig is experienced in a number of musical styles, having performed in symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, swing bands, jazz combos, Broadway musicals, salsa bands, rock bands, polka bands, and more. Past highlights include performances at New York City’s Lincoln Center with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, Broadway shows on local stops, Ringling Bros Circus, opening band for Wilco, Battle of the Bands winner at the renowned Toad’s Place in New Haven, and orchestras with Johnny Mathis, Andrea Bocelli, Edwin McCain, and Bela Fleck. Craig currently teaches trumpet at the SC Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, Converse University, and is a brass instructor for Greenville County’s ARMES program. In the past, he has also taught courses at Furman University and served as Director of Jazz Bands for another university. In addition to his trumpet life, Craig is a portrait artist specializing in oil painting and charcoal drawing, roaster for his coffee company Two Giants Coffee, and has released two albums of original music.