The Saint Louis Brass Quintet performs the entire spectrum of great music for brass - from the works of today's composers to Baroque and Renaissance music transcribed for modern instruments. For many audiences they also offer lighter fare: popular music of the Americas, jazz arrangements of standards by Ellington/Strayhorn, Gershwin and Cole Porter, lighthearted pieces for narrator and brass; and a tongue in cheek survey of the history of the brass instruments. The group also presents children's programs, master classes and workshops.
Trumpeter Allan Dean wrote many of the arrangements played by
the group, and composer/trumpeter Anthony Plog wrote two works for the group
when he was a member (Four Sketches for Brass Quintet and Animal Ditties #8 for
Brass Quintet). Most of the jazz arrangements the group plays are done by Joey
Sellers (a former student of Dan Perantoni's).
On some tours the SLBQ performs with percussionist Gray
Barrier on drum set and with an array of smaller instruments. Enhancing the
swinging beat of the jazz arrangements, or adding the perfect effects for some
of the Renaissance arrangements he provides an element that greatly enhances the
quintet's concert presentations.
The SLBQ sees itself foremost as a serious chamber music
group, but also recognizes the importance of education and entertainment in its
programming. Finding this balance is an exciting challenge that is vital in
keeping both the group's members and its audiences satisfied.
© 2008 Primo Concerts