Discovering Brass

Quintet for Brass Instruments , by Alvin Etler (1913 - 1973), performed by the Meridian Arts Ensemble.      Alvin Etler was an Iowa born composer and oboist. He performed with the Indianapolis Symphony in 1938, but quickly left the symphony to focus on his compositions. Shortly after his time in Indianapolis, Etler travelled throughout Latin America with the North American Wind Quintet. In 1942 he joined the faculty at Yale as the director of bands. This started Etler's studies with Paul Hindemith.      Etler's Quintet for Brass Instruments was written in 1963 and is considered one of the best greatest works for brass quintet in the 20th century. It has been rumored that Etler intended this piece to sound aggressive and pointed because his son died in the Korean War. While this makes for an interesting program note, it has been proven false. Dance Suite , by Leonard Bernstein (1918 - 1990), performed by the Center City Brass Quintet.  ...

Metropolis 1927  by Peter Graham. Performed by the Black Dyke Band.          Peter Graham is a highly respected composer in the brass band community. He is known for his innovative and challenging pieces that have pushed the boundaries of the brass band genre. Metropolis 1927 is one of Grahams most Signiant works and required a high level of technical skill and musicality. The piece was inspired by the 1927 silent film Metropolis, by Fritz Lang. Grahams pieces captures the film's dystopian atmosphere, industrial intensity, and emotional turmoil in its dramatic music. DCI fun fact: Santa Clara Vanguard based their 2018 show Babylon,  around this piece and took 1st place at the DCI World Championships. Tre-Mendez Polka,  by Rafael Mendez. Performed by the Mendez family.     Rafael Mendez and his sons Ralph and Robert performed the Tre-Mendez Trio , on the Art Linkletter show in 1957. This piece showcases the families exceptional talent and...

     Mexico has a variety of musical genres that stem from a variety of cultures across their country. One of the most popular and recognizable genres is banda music. With its powerful brass and complex rhythms, banda music is associated with cultural celebrations and unique traditions. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was the birth of the first major banda ensembles. These bands were formed by self-taught musician that began to develop a distinct sound by blending European brass instruments with traditional Mexican melodies and rhythms that are tired to their culture. Te Presumo , by Banda El Recodo.      Te Presumo exemplifies the crucial role of brass in banda music. In this piece, the brass section, primarily comprised of trumpets, trombones, and tubas, provides the driving force and distinctive sound that defines the genre. The trumpets deliver the bright, melodic lines that carry the song's main themes, often punctuated with virtuo...

     Paul Lovat-Cooper (PLC) has made a profound and energetic impact on the brass band world. His compositions for brass band have injected a fresh, modern sound into the repertoire, helping to push the genre forward.     P aul Lovatt-Cooper studied percussion and composition at the Royal Northern College of Music. After graduating, he enjoyed a successful career as a percussionist with the Black Dyke Band, one of the world's most prestigious brass bands. This experience gave him invaluable insight into the inner workings of the brass band world, which he then channeled into his compositions. PLC's style is characterized by its rhythmic drive, melodic accessibility, and sheer excitement. He seamlessly blends traditional brass band sounds with contemporary influences, creating music that is both challenging and exhilarating. Walking With Heroes, performed by the Black Dyke Band.      PLC wrote this piece as a tribute to those who served and the in...