Lee University will be welcoming one of the most dynamic chamber ensembles as part of this year's Presidential Concert Series. Epic Brass, an instrumental quintet, will be performing on Tuesday, Oct. 26, at 8 p.m. in the Lee University Dixon Center.
This ensemble was founded in 1983 by trumpeter Earl Raney. The other members include Christopher Sala on trumpet, Justin Cohen on French horn, Jamison Clark on trombone, and Chip Halt on tuba.
Since winning the prestigious Alliance Auditions in 1986, the quintet has blazed a trail across 42 states with performances at Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center and Ambassador Auditorium. The ensemble is praised for its richly varied repertoire which spans Renaissance to 20th century compositions, including graceful Elizabethan dances, rollicking opera overtures and
red-hot Dixieland jazz.
In addition to being performers, the members of Epic Brass are also talented arrangers who supply a constant array of original and innovative arrangements to the groups' eclectic repertoire. They are also deeply committed to music education. In addition to performing more than 100 concerts annually, the group also presents numerous school concerts, master classes and workshops for young musicians.
The group has seven recordings on Ars Nova digital: "Music of the Masters," "Star Spangled Pops!," Going Home," "Joy to the World!,"
International Treasures," "Christmas Classics," and a new release, "High Flyin' Horns!"
Their music ranges from classical pieces by Bach and popular music by American composers, to folk hymns, African-American Spirituals, and favorite classical and popular melodies from around the world. Their newest release, "High Flyin' Horns!" is a young person's introduction to the brass family with narration by the groups director, Earl Raney.
The group has been featured on radio and television programs nationwide, and has headlined festivals across the United States. They have performed at
Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Weill Recital Hall, and Ambassador Auditorium. Internationally, they have performed in Canada, Austria, Germany, France, England, Scotland, Poland, and most recently the Far East.
"Music can be a study, but should primarily be a joy," said Epic Brass director, Earl Raney. "Our most successful concerts are when audience members leave the hall whistling our music."
Tickets are available by calling the Dixon Center box office at (423)614-8343 Monday through Thursday from 2-5 p.m.