My high school brass ensemble, the Penn Cove Brass, is the best large brass ensemble in our region. They won the San Juan region's Solo & Ensemble Contest in the Large Brass Ensemble division! That means they are heading to the State level at Central Washington University in April to compete against all the other regional winners in Washington!
This is very exciting! Ever since I formed the Harbor Brass (my middle school group), and subsequently the Penn Cove Brass, I dreamed of this as the students got older. I dreamed of winning our division and going to State. And so, it's a dream come true.
Here are some interesting stats. First of all, the Penn Cove Brass competed against about 15 other brass ensembles yesterday, making it the one of the largest brass divisions. Also, 5 of our 6 members are freshmen. This was one of the youngest groups there, if not the youngest. And all 5 of these freshmen were with the Harbor Brass as 7th graders in the first year. Actually, one of the members rejoined the group after being out for a while. But the rest of them have played in the brass ensembles program together for quite a while. Oh, and the best part is this: they performed without a conductor, on a Gabrieli polyphonic work. How's that for impressive?!
So, I am not surprised. These guys really know each other and have been students of mine for a while, so they really know what they are doing, despite being so young.
Oh, yeah! I just remembered! Here's their performance!
And guess what? This is just the beginning. Remember, most of these guys are freshmen. The only one who isn't is the horn player in this video. He's a junior, so we'll have him for another year. Plus, I have several 8th graders in the Harbor Brass who are experienced in this, so this group will grow and continue to get better. I can't wait.
I did have more performers who performed, and they fared well, although none others will be going to State. Most of the Penn Cove Brass members also played solos, and played really quite well. I also had a trombone player from Coupeville play very well, but finished as a runner-up (and runner-ups don't go to state unless the winner is unable to go).
But anyways, a very satisfying ending to an awesome week. I love the week leading up to the regional Solo & Ensemble, just because of the rehearsals and getting the kids ready and the excitement. Now, I get to get the Penn Cove Brass ready for State!
Take care and value music.