Low Brass studio performs in ensemble concert

DISCLAIMER: This is a news article contributed by an independent writer currently enrolled in Angelo State University’s News Reporting and Writing class. 

The “Low Brass Ensembles Concert” was performed on Wednesday, May 1 at 7 p.m. in the Eldon Black Recital Hall of the Carr Education-Fine Arts Building with open admission. The concert featured performances by the ASU Trombone Choir, ASU Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble and instrumental solos by four students.

The first song to start the evening was “Sonata for Trombone,” by Eric Ewazen. This piece was performed by Michael Estrada on the trombone, accompanied by Grace Allen on the piano. The solo featured lyrical melodies and intricate interplay between the trombone and piano.

The second piece was “Sonata in F minor,” by Georg Philipp Telemann, performed by Corey DeChaine on the euphonium with accompaniment by Allen on the piano. The solo unfolded with a blend of elegance and depth, featuring the euphonium's rich, sonorous tones intertwining with the piano's resonant chords. 

The third song was “Suite for Tuba,” by Don Haddad, performed by Dylan Ruiz on the tuba, again accompanied by Allen on the piano. The solo resonated with bold melodies and intricate rhythms as the tuba's deep, majestic tones blended harmoniously with the piano's lively accompaniment. 

“Allegro Maestoso,” by Jan Koetsier was the next piece, performed by Tristan Reese on the bass trombone, and accompanied by Hunter Mabery on the piano. The solo commanded attention to the bass trombone with its strong timbre. At the same time, the piano provided a dynamic and supportive backdrop, creating a captivating blend of power and precision in the performance. 

The fifth song was a suite from “The Mount of Olives,” by Ludwig van Beethoven, performed by Jacob Peterman, Corey DeChaine and Jesse Ruiz-Ortiz on the trombones. The trio of trombones weaved together rich harmonies and majestic melodies throughout the piece. 

The sixth song was “Excursions,” by David Wilborn, conducted by assistant music professor and low brass ensemble director J.D. Handshoe and performed by the ASU Trombone Choir. The piece showcased vibrant rhythms and melodic exploration.

The seventh song was “The Deputy,” by Frank Gulino, conducted by Handshoe. The piece resonated with dramatic intensity and emotional depth as the choir delivered powerful harmonies and stirring melodies.

The eighth song was “Monuments,” also by Gulino and conducted by Handshoe. It was performed by the ASU Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, who made the piece reverberate with majestic melodies and resounding harmonies. 

The last song of the evening was “Finlandia,” by Jean Sibelius, conducted by Handshoe. The piece resounded with majestic themes and stirring harmonies. The ensemble harnessed the rich, resonant tones of the tubas and euphoniums to envelop the listeners in a powerful and dynamic musical experience.

This was the ensemble’s last performance of the spring semester.