Dallas Brass, one of America’s foremost musical brass ensembles, will be performing its incredible repertoire of classical masterpieces, Dixieland, swing, Broadway, Hollywood, and patriotic music at Hart Middle School Auditorium. MyNorth Media entertainment writer Ross Boissoneau gives us a preview of the Northern Michigan event.

Artist

Dallas Brass, a brass quintet—with drums!

How it got its start

Dallas Brass was founded by trombonist Michael Levine in 1983. It has gone on to become one of the most popular and honored groups of its kind. The group is currently comprised of Levine, trumpeters Luis Miguel Araya and Terry Sawchuk, Juan Berrios on horn, Ryan Christianson on trombone, Paul Carlson on tuba, and—surprisingly—drummer and percussionist Andres Crovetti. The addition of a drummer gives the group a different sound than many of its compatriots and allows them to more easily move from genre to genre.

A Dallas brass show will typically incorporate classical, swing, march, Dixieland, folk, even pop music. Not many groups can segue from Gershwin to the Tijuana Brass to Copland to hip-hop—but the Dallas Brass can, and does. In addition to solo engagements, the Dallas Brass appears with symphony orchestras nationwide. Symphonic credits include the Cincinnati Pops conducted by Erich Kunzel, New York Pops conducted by Skitch Henderson and the Philly Pops conducted by Peter Nero.

In keeping with that theme, the show at Hart will also feature the West Shore Community College Wind Symphony performing a selection with the Dallas Brass entitled “An American Tableau,” written in 2014 by John Wasson. The group has performed at Carnegie Hall, the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and has toured overseas to Europe and the Far East. It has performed for Presidents Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush, appeared on the CBS Early Show, and the band’s music has been used numerous times on the television show The Young & The Restless. The group is also dedicated to educational activities, offering clinics and master classes at its school performances.

Style

Brass ensemble music

Influences and Inspirations

Canadian Brass, Empire Brass, popular music from the last 100 years

Additional Background

The appearance of Dallas Brass is the first offering of the West Shore Community College’s Performing Arts Series. The series will also feature three major Michigan-based university ensembles: The Michigan State University BeBop Spartans Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Rodney Whitaker, on October 15; the Western Michigan University Symphony Orchestra performing the “Music of the Nutcracker,” under the direction of Professor of Music Bruce Urchimura on December 9; and on March 17, the Grand Valley State University Choirs under the direction of Ellen Pool, director of choral activities.

For theater enthusiasts, the season will open in early November with a WSCC production of Godspell, with Noises Off in March. Other shows include South American harpist Edmar Castaneda, Winfred Haun & Dancers and West Shore student ensembles. For a complete list, go to WestShore.edu.

Quotes

“We had a blast!! The kids and community were so excited and there is a huge buzz going around the schools about what a wonderful experience this was.” – Kelsey Lawrence, band director, Adams Middle School, Newcastle, Wyoming

“The concert was phenomenal! These guys are not only outstanding musicians, they are top notch professionals, educators and great people. Thank you for a GREAT experience.” – Tom Reifenberg, band director, Greendale High School, Greendale, Wisconsin