Wednesday, November 14, 2007

I've Finally Got Good Video!!

I feel like Santa Claus right now, because I'm about to give you a glimpse of the November 11 "Brass Fireworks!" concert! I can just imagine your hands rubbing together at this very moment!

If you came to the event, you know how exciting it was....you saw the energy of the audience as they heard this incredible brass band perform musical acrobatics....yet turn around and delicately perform a tender melody.

If you missed then, then you need to kick yourself right now! But I do have the next best thing: video!

And over the next few weeks, I'll release a clip or two here and there. Not all of it, of course. We need to save some for the people that came! But it's enough to hopefully build your resolve to come next time.

And speaking of next time, you'll want to get your tickets to "O, Holy Brass!" before they sell out. As of this writing there are just 152 left.

This video is of an exciting and energetic arrangement of Bach's Toccata in D Minor. I hope you enjoy it!






J. Aaron Stanley, President
L.A. Metro Brass Band

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Concert Report: BRASS FIREWORKS!

"Brass Fireworks!" was a huge success! We had over 300 people turn out for the concert, which wasn't what we were hoping for, but still represents 430% more attendees than our last full-length concert. It that respect, we can certainly count it as a step in the right direction!

The audience turned out to be a very enthusiastic and generous. The best audience we've played for. The energy of the band fed the energy of the audience, which in turn fed the energy of the band!

We're currently at work editing the audio and video and we'll have some video posted on the website soon.

If you haven't purchased your tickets to "O, Holy Brass!" on December 9, then I invite you to visit our home page where you'll have an opportunity to purchase tickets and pre-order a CD of the concert.

Keep in mind that this next concert can only accommodate 200 attendees, so we expect to sell out the show. If you'd like to be there, then you'll want to purchase your tickets early!

Photos and video are coming soon, so stay tuned...

J. Aaron Stanley, President
L.A. Metro Brass Band

Monday, November 5, 2007

Concert Program Announced!


Hi, folks!

The photo above is from our latest rehearsal just this last Saturday. Things are coming together and I can't wait until November 11! (My fiance can't wait, either...she says I'm not spending enough time with her! It is definitely an enormous amount of work and stress to put together an event like this, but I hope you'll agree it's worth it after hearing the band this Sunday!)

We've settled on the program...though we may pull a couple of surprises for you, yet!

Here's what you'll hear on Sunday:

"Royal Fireworks" by Handel (classical transcription)
"Candide" by Bernstein (classical transcription)
"The Shepherd's Song," (traditional melody) arr. by G. Richards
"My Strength, My Tower" by Dean Goffin (a brass band original!)
"Toccata in D Minor" by J.S. Bach (classical transcription)
A Sousa march for our veterans (don't know which one, just yet)
"Londonderry Air" (a flugelhorn solo)
Fugue from "Falstaff" by Richard Wagner (classical transcription)
"Peace Like a River" (trombone feature) by Stephen Bulla
"Symphony of Thanksgiving" by Dean Goffin (a brass band original)

You may not be as excited as I am looking at this list on paper...but when you hear these 30 brass & percussion musicians actually play these pieces...well...that's where the fun is at!

See you Sunday!

J. Aaron Stanley, President
L.A. Metro Brass Band

Friday, November 2, 2007

Another Video: Abu Hassan

Well...as promised, here's another "underground" video of the L.A. Metropolitan Brass Band from back in May 2006. This time, an arrangement of Carl Maria von Weber's Overture to Abu Hassan.

In listening to this, I believe we just may have assembled an even better band this time around! Be sure and show up on November 11 for some fun and exciting brass band music! RSVP Here.



J. Aaron Stanley, President
L.A. Metro Brass Band