Frequently Asked Questions (Summer 2026)

How do I get there?
  • Fly to Knoxville (McGhee Tyson - TYS) Airport, arriving by 4pmET on May 26th, 2027.  Our representative will meet you at a designated place in the airport at 4pm and assign you to a shared Uber car or taxi to the lodge with other participants.  APEX will NOT pay for these cars.  The Lodge is approximately one hour from the airport. Travel in groups to save money and make new friends.
  • If driving, drive directly to the festival address in Sevier County, TN, provided after you register.  Parking is free.
How do I get home?
  • Take shared UBER cars to the airport the morning of June 2nd, 2026.
  • Try to book early flights home so that you don’t spend all day in the airport!
  • If driving, drive home safely!
  • Those not taking UBER transport must depart by 9am on Wednesday, June 2nd.
What’s the food situation?
  • Food will be catered by our staff. We will all have kitchen duty a couple times for setting and clearing.  This helps us make the symposium more affordable and builds our team.
  • Please let us know on the registration page about any food allergies or dietary needs for which you require accommodation.
  • Three meals are offered daily in our dining room.
  • Meals are provided beginning Thursday morning and ending Tuesday evening.  Plan accordingly.
  • Two evenings will be without dinner; one at Dollywood and one at the Knoxville Smokies baseball game.
What should I bring?
  • Trumpets
  • Mutes
  • Music (paper or tablet)
  • Collapsible music stand or tablet stand
  • Pencil/Stylus
  • Swimwear for the pool/hot tub
  • Pajamas
  • Towel for pool if you desire one beyond your bath towel.
  • Toiletries
  • Casual attire
  • One, all-black concert outfit including shoes.  Dress is black pants, black shoes, and an APEX T-Shirt which will be provided for you.
  • White noise machine if you are sharing a room
  • A positive and supportive attitude
What are the daily hours of the symposium and what should I expect?

BELOW IS AN APPROXIMATE SCHEDULE - PLAYING HOURS ARE 9am-9pmET

  • 7:30-8:30am Breakfast
  • 9am-10 Group Warm Up and Interactive Technical Routines ANNOUNCEMENTS
  • 10am-noon Masterclass with Core or Guest Artists
  • 12pm Lunch
  • 1pm-4pm DAILY PRACTICE/LESSONS 
  • 4pm Trumpet Ensemble
  • 5pm DAILY PRACTICE/LESSONS
  • 6pm Dinner
  • 7pm-9pm DAILY PRACTICE/LESSONS
  • 9-9:45 Special Topics Discussion: The Trap of Comparison, Section Etiquette, How to Network, etc.
  • 10pm Group activities NO PLAYING after 9pm
How do the private lessons work?
  • Everyone will receive three lessons total with registration with our core artists, one each with Brandon Craswell, Mary Elizabeth Bowden and Nathan Warner.
  • Scheduling conflicts may require that no more than one lesson be given via ZOOM at the discretion of the Core Artists.
  • Lesson assignments will be complete by your arrival and at the discretion of the Core Artists.
  • Missed lessons will be made up at the discretion of the Core Artists.