tenThing Brass Ensemble

A brass ensemble is a group made up entirely of brass instruments, such as trumpets, horns, trombones, euphoniums, and tubas. Together, the musicians create a rich, powerful sound capable of remarkable warmth, subtlety, and color.

The ensemble features 10 brass musicians performing on trumpets, French horns, trombones, euphoniums, and tuba. Together, they showcase the full expressive range of the brass family.

Not at all. While brass instruments can produce a powerful sound, tenThing Brass Ensemble is celebrated for its remarkable range of expression. The ensemble's performances include everything from bold, energetic works to lyrical, delicate passages that highlight the warmth and beauty of brass instruments.

tenThing Brass Ensemble performs music from a wide range of styles and time periods. This program features works by composers, including Edvard Grieg, Florence Price, Jennifer Higdon, Aaron Copland, Astor Piazzolla, and Leonard Bernstein, along with music made famous by Billie Holiday. Audiences can expect everything from classical masterpieces and folk-inspired works to tango, jazz, Broadway favorites, and contemporary music.

tenThing Brass Ensemble's name combines the number of musicians, 10, with the surname of founder and internationally acclaimed Norwegian trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth.

Tine Thing Helseth is an internationally acclaimed Norwegian trumpet soloist and the founder of tenThing Brass Ensemble. She created the ensemble to showcase the versatility of brass music while sharing her passion for collaboration and making classical music accessible to new audiences.

Founded by Norwegian trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth, tenThing is an all-female brass ensemble known for its virtuosic performances, engaging stage presence, and inventive arrangements. The group challenges expectations by demonstrating the extraordinary versatility of brass instruments across a wide variety of musical styles.

The most important thing is that you're comfortable. There is no dress code, so do what feels right for you. Do you want to get dressed to the nines for a special night out? You won't be the only one. Do you feel like keeping things casual? You won't be alone there, either.  

All campus parking, including along Alumni Mall, requires a parking permit from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted by signage. 

Parking is available in the North End Parking Garage on Turner Street at 300 Turner Street NW.

• For many Center for the Arts performances and large events, this garage will be staffed by an attendant and payment ($10, cash only) must be made at the time of entry. This event parking price is $2 higher than the garage’s daily rate to allow us to provide staffing to make both entering and exiting the garage more efficient for larger numbers of cars. You may exit at the Turner Street gate.
• All other times, visitors can take a ticket upon entrance and pay the $8 daily rate using Visa or Mastercard when exiting.

Convenient parking is also located in downtown Blacksburg. Town parking is free every day after 5:00 p.m.

Patrons are always welcome to drop off and pick up guests directly at the main doors of the Center for the Arts on Alumni Mall and Turner Street.

Allowing yourself extra time improves the experience for everyone! We recommend arriving at least 45 minutes prior to the start of the performance so you have plenty of time for the safety screening and to get settled in your seats. Our lobbies and galleries open 90 minutes before performances, and the theatre doors open 30 minutes before the performance start time. Ushers will direct you to your seat and are happy to answer any questions.

For the safety of our guests and performers, all patrons may be required to pass through a walk-through metal detector before entering the theatre. The process is quick and touchless, and you may keep your personal belongings with you. If you need an alternate screening method, please speak with a member of our security team.

A small or clutch-size purse or clear bag is recommended. Oversized bags, luggage, and backpacks will not be permitted inside the theatre. Coat check will be available to check these items.

Concessions from Blacksburg Wine Lab are available for most performances. Concessions availability and locations will be included in the What to Know email for ticket holders. Concessions are available beginning an hour before the performance, so arrive early to avoid the lines and enjoy a drink before the show.

Cameras and recording equipment are not permitted inside the theatre during performances. To avoid distracting the artists and those around you, please turn off or silence your cell phone and put away all electronic devices before the performance begins. Photography, video recording, and audio recording are not permitted unless otherwise announced.

If you’re late, you may hear the beginning of the performance from the lobby while you wait to take your seat — either until intermission or an appropriate break in the program as requested and advised by the artists. Admitting late arrivals into the theatre is timed to cause as little disruption as possible to other guests and the performers on stage. In some cases, you may be seated in an alternate location in the theatre.

You will receive a “What to Know” email approximately 48 hours before the performance with helpful information on approximate runtimes, pre- and post-show activities, and any other information you will need to know before you head out the door. 

We are committed to being fully accessible to all patrons and their companions and strive to make our patrons’ experiences convenient and comfortable. In addition to our venue’s universal design features, we offer services and accommodations for parking, seating, listening, sensory support, courtesy wheelchair, elevators, restrooms, service animals, sign language, and visual aids. Find out more. 

No. Mobile tickets displayed on your smartphone are welcome, though printed tickets are also accepted.

While all sales are final, tickets to most events may be exchanged for another Center for the Arts performance within the current season. Please contact the box office at artscenter@vt.edu or by phone at 540-231-5300 at least one hour in advance of the scheduled performance to request an exchange. Refunds may be offered in extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the box office manager.