Voices of Brass

The Game Brass and The Legend of Zelda: Bringing 8-Bit Epics to Bold Brass Life Hello, brass enthusiasts! Today in Voices of Brass , we turn our ears toward a place where fantasy, nostalgia, and musicianship collide: the world of video game music . Like me, if you grew up hearing the triumphant fanfare of The Legend of Zelda on the NES, you already know how iconic Koji Kondo’s score is. But what happens when that 8-bit classic is reimagined for a full brass ensemble? Enter The Game Brass —a powerhouse brass collective of performers, arrangers, and gamers who are redefining what brass can do in the world of video game music. Today we’re spotlighting their majestic, cinematic take on the Legend of Zelda Main Theme , breathing new life into one of gaming’s most enduring melodies. I was fortunate enough to meet the core brass quintet members at the Video Games and Music Convention in Minneapolis, MN very recently. 🎧 Watch the performance here: Bringing Pixels to Polyphony At its co...

Transmission I by Florence Anna Maunders: Amplifying the Unheard in Contemporary Brass Hello, brass enthusiasts! In today’s entry of Voices of Brass , we’re tuning into a bold, electrifying work that exemplifies how brass music can give voice to those too often left out of the conversation. Our spotlight is on Florence Anna Maunders and her arresting piece, Transmission I , a tour-de-force for brass ensemble that speaks with urgency, defiance, and sonic imagination. Maunders is one of many composers helping to reshape what contemporary brass can sound like—not by repeating the past, but by forging new identities, textures, and expressions. And in doing so, she reminds us that the future of brass lies in amplifying the voices of those historically underrepresented in classical music . A Voice That Cuts Through the Noise Florence Anna Maunders is a composer whose music defies convention. As a transgender woman and a powerful voice in the UK’s new music scene, her work often deals w...

Hey brass lovers! Today on  Voices of Brass , we're jumping into the high-octane world of  contemporary street brass  with a track that explodes with energy and innovation:  “Waiver”  by the  Youngblood Brass Band . This tune is a shining example of how brass ensembles continue to evolve—fusing tradition with activism, groove, and fearless experimentation. This tune was featured in Anna’s playlist on her own blog . Introducing the Piece: “Waiver” is a track from the Youngblood Brass Band’s 2005 album  Live. Places.  Known for their raw sound and politically charged ethos, the Youngblood Brass Band emerged from Madison, Wisconsin, bringing together elements of  New Orleans second-line ,  hip-hop ,  funk , and  punk . Their music often pushes past entertainment into the realm of  resistance and community storytelling . “Waiver” captures the essence of this mission—blending heavy grooves with an almost militant rhythmic inten...

King  Henry VIII’s “A Rose Without Thorns,” Movement II: A Regal Reflection through Brass Greetings, brass lovers! For today’s journey into brass chamber music, we’re stepping back into the Renaissance with a piece that bridges history, royalty, and modern performance:  "A Rose Without Thorns, Movement II" , attributed to  King Henry VIII , as recorded by the  Philip Jones Brass Ensemble . This recording offers a rich blend of historical reverence and modern precision—let’s explore! Introducing the Composer and Performers: King Henry VIII (1491–1547)  is best known for his tumultuous reign and many marriages, but he was also an avid musician and composer. Among the works attributed to him is  "A Rose Without Thorns,"  a title likely symbolizing idealized love, possibly inspired by Anne Boleyn, his second wife. While the full suite isn’t preserved in its original form, Movement II has been adapted and arranged for brass, offering a rare glimpse into Hen...

 In class today, we listened to the Elliot Carter Brass Quintet. It is quite the interesting piece, and very difficult for the musicians performing it. A little bit of background info, Elliot Carter was a modern American composer (1908 - 2012) In the opening of the piece it states very ethereal with the words “calm” in the score and “menacing” in the interjecting horn parts. The parts are all very detailed as each of the parts are very independent of each other, but together at the same time. Each musician has to pay very close attention to their own very syncopated and abrupt entrances that somehow call and response to what everyone else is doing.  The composer does a great job making the music uncomfortable for the listener. Without the score to follow, I would not have known where the time was. There are plenty of moments in the music where there are intentional moments of emotion stated throughout the instruments.  In regards to Elliot’s music, there are two major ca...

  Voices of Brass: A Curated Playlist of Must-Hear Brass Ensemble Music Hello, brass enthusiasts! Today, we’re doing something a little different. Instead of focusing on a single piece or ensemble, I’ve put together a 40ish-minute playlist featuring some of the best, in my opinion, brass ensemble performances across different styles and eras. Whether you’re a die-hard brass fan or just dipping your toes into the world of brass ensembles, this list has something for everyone! To open this playlist with grandeur and power, we begin with Richard Strauss’ Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare , performed at the 2017 CancerBlows Principals Concert (2:25) . Originally composed in 1924 for the Vienna Philharmonic, this fanfare is a regal and commanding showcase of brass brilliance , with rich harmonies and bold, triumphant statements . This particular performance was part of CancerBlows , a charitable event founded by the late Ryan Anthony , former principal trumpet of the Dallas Symphony Orches...