Presidio Brass, a five-member brass ensemble from San Diego, Calif., will share their new generation of brass entertainment during a four-day residency in Marshall County. They combine a brass quintet with piano and percussion and perform fresh, original arrangements making their sound unique.
Their visit is sponsored by the Marshall County Arts Cooperative.
They will give a public concert, “And All That Brass,” Thursday, April 12, at 7:00 p.m. at the Frankfort United Methodist Church. Admission is free. The concert features Broadway show tunes with a dose of wit and humor that have become hallmarks of a Presidio Brass performance.
They will play selections from “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Chicago,” “Candide, “The Wizard of Oz,” and “West Side Story.”
“Presidio Brass is excited to introduce our newest show which is an ode to Broadway’s greatest hits,” said Miles McAllister, a member of the group. “As with every one of our shows, we bring humor, great musicality, fun, and entertainment for all ages. This new production will have something for everyone.”
Before the concert members of the Frankfort Development Trust will have a baked potato bar in the church basement from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.. Potatoes, a variety of toppings, drinks, and desserts will be served for a freewill donation.
Presidio Brass has performed and provided educational outreach in over forty states, conducted master classes at many colleges and universities, and has been featured on National Public Radio.
Each member of the ensemble began his music career by joining his school’s band program. Inspired by the dedication of their school music teachers, Presidio Brass came together with the primary mission to promote music education and music appreciation in youngsters. For this reason, performances are often coupled with a master class or school program for which the quintet volunteers their time. Before the Broadway concert the group will have spent several hours working with band students at Frankfort High School and performing for the student body.
Members of the Presidio Brass have performed with major symphony orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Las Vegas Philharmonic, and San Diego Symphony, and have shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, and Quincy Jones. When not on tour, they continue to perform throughout the country as freelance artists; they also operate an annual summer music camp in San Diego for brass students of all ages.
Presidio Brass has released four recordings: Stolen Moments, a collection of popular classical and jazz selections, Christmas Day, an assortment of well-loved holiday favorites, Sounds of the Cinema, which includes pieces from their signature stage performance of the same name, and their newest release, Rhapsody in Brass, a collection of popular American music influenced by classical and jazz idioms.
For more information about their residency or performance people may go to the arts cooperative’s website marshallcountyarts.org.