The Bombyx Brass Collective is excited to present “Classic Classics” in their upcoming performance. Led by musical director Margaret Reidy, featured will be “Mars” and “Jupiter”,  two movements from Gustav Holst’s The Planets, as well as the well known multi-movement work, Bizet’s Carmen. Guest conductor and BBC founding member Ira Brezinsky will lead the group in “Sonata for Brass” by Jerry Bilik, and the collective is excited to feature a “percussion only” selection entitled Brush Hour by Alex Stopa. The program will be rounded out with several arrangements written by BBC members specifically for the group, including a take on “The Legend of Zelda”. With something for everyone in this performance, we hope you’ll join us for a special afternoon on March 3rd!

The Bombyx Brass Collective is a resident ensemble of the Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity, inspired by the passion and dedication of area amateur and professional musicians, and devoted to presenting quality music to diverse audiences. The 30-piece ensemble was founded in January 2022 and features diverse combinations of players and instruments within its performances, playing a mix of musical genres from classical to jazz to pop. BBC members include active and retired music teachers, working professional musicians, and talented amateur musicians. In addition to their work with the BBC, members perform frequently throughout the Pioneer Valley in a wide variety of professional and amateur ensembles.

As always, admission to the ensembles’ performances is free of charge, but donations are always gratefully accepted, with all proceeds going to support future programming and advocacy in the community.

March 3, 2024 Program:

Margaret Reidy, Musical Director

From “The Planets”.................................................................................Holst. Arr. Sauer

1. Mars, The Bringer of War
2. Jupiter, The Bringer of Jollity

Air “From Holberg’s Time” Op. 40 No. 4...............................................Edvard Grieg, Arr. Christopher Kempf*

Carmen Suite...........................................................................................Bizet  Arr. Haynor
Melissa Griffin, trumpet feature

1. Prelude
2. Aragonaise
3. Intermezzo
4. Habanera
5. La Garde Montante
6. Danse Boheme
7. Finale

– – – INTERMISSION – – –

Fanfare....................................................................................................Johann Hummel, Arr. Monte Becker*

Sonata for Brass......................................................................................Jerry Bilik
Ira Brezinsky*, Conductor

1. Allegro non troppo vivo
2. Andante cantabile
3. Rondo

Brush Hour (Percussion Feature)...........................................................Alex Stopa
Lucas Reed, David Choquette, Andrew Armstrong, Lauren Chiodo, snare drums

The Tears of the Kingdom.......................................................................Manaka Kataoka, Maasa Miyoshi, Masato Ohasi & Tsukasa Usui, Arr. Will Choe*

* Bombyx Brass Collective Member

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SEE THE PROGRAM NOTES HERE

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Bombyx Brass 2023-2024 Ensemble Members:

Trumpet: Clayton Brester, Tim Donahue, Monte Becker, Carol Bobbin, Will Choe, Josh Thomson, Sheldon Ross, Amanda Metcalfe, Melissa Griffin, Karen Atherton, Dave Edwards

French Horn: Ira Brezinsky, Shelly Brezinsky, Lucy Colwell, Richard Cuoco, Bobbie Hessling, Jody Kinner, Margaret Reidy

Trombone: Tim Atherton, Danielle Bowen, Charles Emery, Scott Pemrick, Joe Sabol, Steve Tilley, Mark Turcotte, Shelby Serio

Euphonium: David Bussell, Christopher Kempf, Maura Riel

Tuba: Mark Hoover, Stew King, Kathy Marcinek, Brian Williams, Jay Witbeck

Percussion: Andrew Armstrong, Lauren Chiodo, David Choquette, Dustin Patrick, Lucas Reed, Dave Tallarida