ABOUT
What We Do
Whitman Brass is a student-led brass ensemble and community booking portal based in Bethesda, Maryland. This website serves as the public home of the organization — a place where community members, event organizers, and local institutions across the DMV area can discover our ensemble, preview performances, browse our upcoming gig calendar, and request a free appearance at their own event. Every performance is offered completely free of charge as part of our commitment to accessible, community-driven arts outreach that brings live brass music out of traditional halls and directly into neighborhoods, parks, and block parties.
Who It Is For
The organization is built for two audiences. The first is the DMV communities we serve — neighborhood associations, schools, park programs, festival organizers, and families hosting celebrations who want professional-quality live music at no cost. The second is the student musicians themselves, who use the ensemble as a platform to grow into leaders, mentors, and performing artists. From block parties and park concerts to school events and community festivals, Whitman Brass exists to connect young musicians with the communities around them.
Who Builds It
The ensemble is organized, rehearsed, and led entirely by students. Our educational model thrives on peer mentorship and collaborative leadership, with senior members guiding newer players through the full concert cycle: repertoire selection, sectional rehearsals, stage logistics, and community engagement coordination. Students run rehearsals, manage scheduling, select repertoire, and handle all community-facing communications — building real-world leadership skills that extend far beyond the music stand and proving that high school musicians can operate at a professional level when given ownership of their craft.
Sponsored By
Whitman Brass is an independent student ensemble sponsored by MusicAid, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides fiscal sponsorship and Student Service Learning (SSL) support.
Student Leadership
Luke Fu
Luke Fu leads Whitman Brass as Director and Event Organizer, coordinating all performances and community outreach for the ensemble. He oversees the student-led operational model, ensuring every gig runs smoothly from booking to final bow.
