The Denver Brass

Remembering Those Who Serve Us

Nicole — Fri, 10 May 2013 23:03:02 +0000

My Dad, my granddaddy, my grandpa, several of my uncles and one aunt. These are the members of my family who served in various branches of the military. Although I wasn’t old enough (or even born) to remember everyone’s service or time spent abroad, knowing about it helps me to understand the seriousness of their sacrifices. My dad was deployed when I was very young, he left when I was still crawling and by the time he got back, I was walking. He wasn’t injured, or in imminent danger or anything like that. But he was gone, missing out on time with his family. His sacrifice was minimal in comparison with some other military people’s but it was a sacrifice nonetheless.

I love our nation and I love being American, but I can’t imagine sacrificing much of anything for strangers, not to mention, strangers who might be taking me and my job for granted. It takes a very special kind of patriot to serve in the military. I feel like there isn’t much I can ever do to repay them for what they’ve done for me and for our nation. I’ll take every chance I get to honor these special men and women. Join The Denver Brass this Memorial Day weekend as we gather together to celebrate America and honor those patriots who have sacrificed so much on our behalf.

Let Us Bring You Joy

Nicole — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:42:27 +0000

Everybody always talks about the healing power of music. Well, I’m here to tell you, it’s true. Last week when all the news was focused on Boston and terrorists, I could not, absolutely could not, tear myself away from the news. I sank deeper and deeper into the darkness of the situation. By the end of work on Thursday, things looked bleak and I can’t think of anyway to accurately describe my mood other than to say I was in a pit of despair. As a self-proclaimed optimist, knowing I was in this pit was difficult to deal with and I couldn’t get myself out of it. On my way to Denver Brass’ “The Good, The Bad & The Brass” rehearsal I made a quick stop by the hardware store to walk through the lighting fixtures aisle. (I know it seems silly but it helps, try it.) When the world is seeming especially dark, what’s the best way to fight back? Light, of course. I didn’t have time to linger as long as I would have liked but it definitely helped. I was feeling the faint rays of hopefulness creeping down into the pit. After we setup for rehearsal, the musician arrived, bringing with them hope and joy. As I sat down and watched them play, I could feel my whole demeanor changing from the inside-out. I wouldn’t say, “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” is a particularly soul-touching piece but it produced such a smile you would have thought I’d just been handed a crisp $100 bill or a plate of cookies. But no, I was able to just sit back and happily, let the music sink in. It sank deep into my being, all the way to my pit of despair and it patched up that crater with joy in a matter of moments. So whenever some artist or musician gets on a tangent about, “the healing power…” I know now, I won’t be rolling my eyes or thinking they’re a nut, I’ll be agreeing because Denver Brass helped heal my hurting heart and soul. And that is the truth.

Now That We’ve Caught Our Breath

Nicole — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:57:51 +0000

Things are finally calming down around DB headquarters. Kind of. Echoes of the Emerald Isles went astoundingly well and both weekends of performances were a blast for everyone involved. After that delightful chaos came a brief lull in productivity which we spent skiing, sleeping and in general recovery from our three straight weeks of working without ceasing (which we truly love and are ever so passionate about). Now we are back at full speed preparing for The Good, The Bad & The Brass (7:30pm April 19 & 20 at Bethany Lutheran Church), the Rafael Mendez Brass Institute (July 14-20 at DU) and most time-consumingly in the midst of Denver Brass 2013-2014 season planning! Hooray! I know you are all SO excited to see what we have coming up for you. Unfortunately, you’ll have to be patient because we are not done yet. But we can tell you that it will be a season full of excitement, fun and most importantly, high quality brass music. So, stay tuned to see what we’ve got in store for you all because there will be something for everybody!

Yes, even you, you skeptic.

Brass Vision Update

Nicole — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 19:38:34 +0000

We told you all about the Brass Vision session we held a few weeks ago. Since then we’ve put together and sent out our survey. You all have been wonderful and we’ve received a great amount of feedback. Your support has been overwhelming, thank you! We want you to know, we’ve heard you. As we start the season planning process for 2013-2014 we will take your thoughts, comments and opinions into account. We really value the things that were said and appreciate your bringing particular issues to light. That being said, not each individual comment can be addressed but as always, we will provide something enjoyable for everybody. Oh, and we’re bringing back Brass & Brew…Cheers!

Brass Vision Session

Nicole — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:31:51 +0000

Last night we held our third Brass Vision Session. It was a time for you, our beloved and valued patrons, to come and share your thoughts and opinions with us. Things like: What are we doing well? What could we do better? What would you like to see more of? What would you like to see less of?

We got some great feedback and valuable insight. Based on the comments and opinions we heard last night, we’ll be putting together a patron survey to send out to those of you who couldn’t attend.

We feel the Denver Brass has something very special that other, larger organizations aren’t as privileged to have. To us, having a smaller, more intimate, family-like relationship with our patrons is truly such a treasure. We realize having patrons and fans who love and care about us as individuals and as an organization is something special.

The only way we know to thank you for caring about the state of the Brass and its future success is to keep providing you with quality live music through exceptional shows. And of course, bragging about you to every other organization we come into contact with. Thanks for all you do!

Come join us this weekend, February 9 & 10 for Mountain Mardi Gras! Contributor’s reception to follow Feb. 10 performance.

The Denver Brass at the National Western Stock Show

Nicole — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:39:29 +0000

A tradition almost as old as Denver itself, the National Western Stock Show is in its 107th year. The Denver Brass loves the stock show too! We’ll be participating for our fifth year in An Evening of Dancing Horses. Designed to thrill the whole family, An Evening of Dancing Horses is packed full of incredible equestrian displays choreographed to the music of The Denver Brass. In addition to Dancing Horses, the Stock Show is full of other exciting events. Come on out between now and the 27th to find your western spirit!

They Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To

Nicole — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 21:53:23 +0000

Earlier this week I was reading Jane Austen’s classic novel, Pride and Prejudice. I kept thinking, “Nobody speaks like this anymore, nobody acts like this anymore, nobody writes like this anymore!”

It got me thinking about the classics. We all have them, know them and love them. Whether it be movies, books or music, we all have those wonderful pieces we love and consider to be the undeniable, quintessential, quality classic. I’ll take Cary Grant over Matthew McConaughey any day. Pride and Prejudice vs. Twilight, no contest! Top Gun rather than The Avengers. Give me Boston’s “More than a Feeling” instead of anything of Justin Bieber’s. Give me Bach or give me death!

What is considered “classic” will vary for each of us, but the irrefutable truth is, they don’t make ‘em like they used to.

Obligatory Year End Post

Nicole — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 16:28:31 +0000

2012. Well, what can be said? The Denver Brass had a great year filled with trials and turbulence coupled with joys and successes. But isn’t that how every year goes? I don’t know anybody who has had a year of only ups or only downs. It’s the ebb and flow of life. The way things go. Here at DB headquarters we had a staff shuffling, new brainstorming, creative season planning, record ticket selling year. We created an entirely new show that we fell in love with. We worked with some new guests artists. We welcomed back our old friend, a sold out show. We did some things incredibly well and we made some mistakes that were tricky to correct. All in all it has been quite a year and I think it’s safe to say, none of us would have traded it for anything. Our deepest thanks goes to all of you, reading this, for your continued patronage and support. Without you, we truly would be lost.

2012, you did right by us. 2013, bring. It. On.

Songs of Good Cheer

Nicole — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 18:58:21 +0000

Last weekend our show, Brass and Angels on High went beautifully! It was delightfully festive. Young Voices of Colorado was the closest thing to a chorus of angels I’ve ever heard and the Brass was phenomenal, as always. If I do say so myself. It’s possible I’m biased. I digress.
We are greatly looking forward to our next Christmas show, Rocky Mountain Christmas, this Sunday. It is nearly SOLD OUT! We are excited to collaborate with Dave LeMieux and House of Soul once again. They always add an extra flare that helps make the show special for the season. While we’re on the subject of Christmas and music we thought we’d share our favorites with all of you. Wishing you happy holidays and Merry Christmas from all of us at The Denver Brass!

What is your favorite Christmas carol and why?

F Joseph Docksey, trumpets – A tough one. A four-way tie: “Infant Holy; Infant Lowly”; “Still, Still, Still”; “O Come All Ye Faithful”; “O Holy Night.”

Kerry Walsh, trumpets –I love the lyrics to, “Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland.” It has a fun, catchy melody too!

Cami Kidwell Dodge, trumpets – “Little Drummer Boy.” I think it’s my favorite because of the beautiful melody line, but it has been my favorite for so long that I have forgotten why.

Susan McCullough, horn – I love “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” because of its jazzy feel and because it delivers the true message of Christmas!

Jenny Harvey, horn – My favorite carol is, “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” I not only love the hauntingly beautiful melody but the meaning of the carol as well. The deepest desires of our hearts are met in Christ and his love for us.

Joe Martin, trombone & euphonium – My favorite carol is, “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly.” Our own Andy Wolfe did a wonderful arrangement for Brass Quintet that I love playing every year.

Jeremy Van Hoy, bass trombone – “Coventry Carol.” It has a calm beauty that epitomizes Christmas for me.

Kathy Brantigan, tuba – No contest. It’s definitely “O Holy Night” by The Denver Brass with Joe Docksey playing the trumpet solo. The arrangement is beautifully written and Joe’s solo lines are exquisite – as always!

Charles Brantigan, tuba – “Personent Hodie,” it has so many permutations and complexions.

Kaitlin McCarthy Odil, percussion – “O Holy Night,” because it tells the whole Christmas story in one song, and it’s so beautiful! And apparently I really like 12/8 grooves.

Warren Deck, conductor – My favorite Christmas song is Dave Hanson’s arrangement combining, “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “Little Drummer Boy” and “Still, Still, Still” all together. It is very clever and beautifully scored.

Nancy Docksey, production assistant – My favorite Christmas carol is the “Sussex Mummer’s Carol.” Joe’s playing of this carol is so exquisite that it holds my heart.

Becky Wilson, production assistant – “Feels like Christmas,” from A Muppet Christmas Carol. It is just so bright and cheery; it truly captures the meaning of the season for me.

Nicole Guillo, production assistant – I love “Carol of the Bells,” because it’s so exciting and festive; it always makes me giddy about the holidays!

Becki Kaye Taylor, office support – I love “O Holy Night.” It has sentimental value along with it being just lovely. If you are familiar with the multiple verses it is an incredible piece of writing that is fitting for anytime of year! Not to mention the music is just beautiful. Growing up my dad would sing it at various Christmas concerts and it was always incredibly moving. I just love it.

Denver Brass- Holiday Brass Fest

Nicole — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 21:39:04 +0000

It’s no secret how much we love brass. We play all over the great state of Colorado and beyond, all year long with smiles on our faces and joy in our hearts. Since Christmas is a time to spread joy, in 2000, we created Holiday Brass Fest. It’s the perfect time to gather together and fill everyone’s ears (and hearts!) with holiday cheer. Whether you’re just learning your instrument, haven’t picked one up in 30 years or anywhere in between, Brass Fest is the place for you. Brass Fest is the place for good music, fun fellowship and sometimes, it’s freezing! So bundle up, get those lips buzzing, and join The Denver Brass in our favorite community event, Holiday Brass Fest.

For more information and registration click here.