Breathing is the foundation of all low brass playing and is central to the pedagogy of these instruments. But how often do we consider the science behind breathing? And does the science support the way we think about and teach breathing? Drawing on the interdisciplinary nature of their liberal arts home, Hendrix College colleagues Dr. J.D. Gantz, Assistant Professor of Biology and Health Sciences, and Dr. Gretchen Renshaw James, Associate Professor of Music, will highlight the intersection of respiratory physiology and low brass performance by combining the science of breathing with practical exercises to apply these concepts. The goal is to help low brass players adopt physiologically effective techniques to achieve maximal efficacy in their breathing. Additionally, Drs. Gantz and Renshaw will examine the ways in which physiological differences – for example, between those assigned male or female at birth, as well as those who have a disability affecting respiration – may impact a person’s approach to breathing in low brass playing.