The Loudest Brass Recording

Today we had a contest for presenting the loudest brass recording. The winner, at over 100 decibels, was this YouTube video of the sousaphone line from Virginia State.

Brass Quintet by Alvin Etler

This is a YouTube video of the Meridian Arts performing the fourth movement of the Alvin Etler Brass Quintet live in Romania, 2007.

Army Brass Quintet

Last night, the University of Iowa enjoyed a visit by the U.S. Army Band Brass Quintet, from "Pershing's Own" band in Washington D.C.  They presented a wonderful, entertaining, and classy recital - including music of Bach, Haydn, and Glinka. They are on their mid-west tour and we were pleased to be the first stop. After the concert, they generously gave a masterclass for several of our students, and provided some valuable feedback. As a brass musician, a military career is a valid option, especially in this economy, so it was good to hear and see how much these military musicians enjoy their jobs.

Brass in Blue

Last night, the Air Force Brass in Blue gave a fantastic performance at the Englert Theater in Iowa City. This group is comprised of four trumpets, two horns, two trombones, one euphonium, one tuba, one percussionist and one vocalist. Recently, all 60-piece Air Force bands were reduced to 45, which limits the wind ensemble, but has led to this very unique solution - the Brass in Blue. This group, which part of the Air Foce "Heartland of America" band is based at Offut Air Force Base in Nebraska, tours eight months out of the year. Their repertoire ranges from original works for brass choir from composers such as Ewazen and Turrin, to arrangements of marches, orchestral works, and big band style jazz standards. Today, we are honored to have Staff Segeant Matt Erickson, the leader and trombonist with the band.

Les Miserables Brass Band - "Manic Depression" from d b on Vimeo.

This is a video put out in 1990 by Les Miserables Brass Band. Very innovative and tons of talent and energy in this group which includes Marcus Rojas on tuba, Dave Harris on trombone, and Marshall Seeley on horn.

Preview some of their tracks from their album Manic Traditions on Amazon.com here.

Brass Bonanza Audio Link!

Just listen to the Brassy Goodness!

Field Trip!

Let's all go see Mnozil Brass at the Chicago Brass Festival, Sunday March 21st at 3pm at Northeastern Illinois University - I'll drive!