The ensemble called Trumpet Concert von Humboldt performs on natural (valveless) trumpets, as played in the Baroque era. The group will play at the Historic Brass Society international symposium in New York this July—an event described as “the largest and most important gathering of early brass performers and scholars ever assembled.” The only student group ever invited before was from the Royal Conservatory of Music in London, more than a decade ago.
But on April 7 the North Coast audience will hear the ensemble perform a bolero. Among selections by another ensemble, the Brass Quintet, are Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer” and the Rondeau by Jean-Joseph Mouret, familiar as the Masterpiece Theatre theme on PBS.
The Humboldt Bay Brass Band itself performs several classical pieces, including “Suite from The Royal Water Music” by Handel, “Finlandia” by Jean Sibelius and “Mille regretz” from the early 1500s by Josquin des Prez. But popular melodies on the program include “American Patrol” (made famous by the Glenn Miller Orchestra) and the Beatles’ “Day Tripper,” as well as selections from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music and a selection from the ever-popular John Philip Sousa.
As for the ensemble Trumpet Concert von Humboldt, Professor Cline notes that it is one of the few ensembles anywhere to perform on authentic reproduction natural trumpets. He incorporates research of historic brass music in the HSU ensemble, as played in the upcoming concert.
Humboldt Bay Brass Band and ensembles performs its spring concert on Saturday, Apr. 7 at 8 p.m. in the in Fulkerson Recital Hall. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Gilbert Cline, produced by the HSU Music Department. HSUMusic.blogspot.com.