Presidio Brass to shine brightly

The El Dorado County Community Concert Association is pleased to present Presidio Brass in the fifth concert of its six concert series on Wednesday, March 20 at 7 p.m.

Since forming in 2006, Presidio Brass has rocketed to success as the face of a bold new generation in brass entertainment.

By combining a brass quintet, piano and percussion instruments with fresh, original arrangements, its unique sound has become a trademark for the ensemble from San Diego captivating audiences everywhere.

Through its touring show of Hollywood’s greatest hits, “Sounds of the Cinema,” these five young men present film music with a good dose of wit and humor that together have become hallmarks of every Presidio Brass performance.

Audiences and music critics agree, “Sounds of the Cinema” is a “two thumbs up,” a “must see.”

The show has been enjoyed internationally, with performances and educational outreach programs throughout North America.

Presidio Brass has performed in more than 40 states, conducted master classes at many of America’s finest colleges and universities, and has been featured on National Public Radio.

Each member of the ensemble began his music career by joining his school’s band program. Inspired by the dedication of their school music teachers, Presidio Brass came together with the primary mission to promote music education and music appreciation in youngsters.

This is why at every opportunity, performances are coupled with a master class or school program for which the quintet volunteers their time.

Members of the Presidio Brass have performed with major symphony orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Las Vegas Philharmonic, Pacific Symphony and the San Diego Symphony.

When not on tour, they continue to perform with orchestras, maintain private teaching studios at local universities, arrange and compose new music, assist with public school music programs, and operate an annual summer music camp for students of all ages.

In addition to performing as a brass quintet, Presidio Brass performs regularly as a part of Millennia Consort, one of the nation’s premiere brass, organ and percussion ensembles.

Millennia Consort is active in commissioning new works as well as arrangements of popular classical music.

The latest recording by the ensemble, “Pictures of a New Beginning,” includes commissions of new music by Craig Phillips, John Hirten and Jon Naples, and features an arrangement of the orchestral favorite “Pictures at an Exhibition” by Presidio Brass’ tubist, Scott Sutherland.

The Presidio Brass has released three recordings: “Stolen Moments,” a collection of popular classical and jazz selections, “Christmas Day,” an assortment of well-loved holiday favorites and “Sounds of the Cinema,” which includes pieces from its signature stage performance of the same name.

Look for the group’s newest CD of popular American music, which will be released in 2013.

All El Dorado Community Concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are performed at Union Mine High School, Theater at the Mine, 6530 Koki Lane in El Dorado. Some concerts will be available to area students at no cost to the schools.

For information on the availability of new memberships or to obtain tickets for a single concert, call Normadene Carpenter at 530-622-4218.

The final concert of the season, on Thursday, April 18, will feature William Florian (guitar and vocals). William Florian promises an upbeat, energetic, musical journey of America’s greatest songs of the ’60s including songs he performed as lead singer of the famous New Christy Minstrels plus the music of Peter Paul and Mary, John Denver, Pete Seeger, The Mamas and The Papas, and uplifting originals presented with amusing stories.