The Westerlies- Possibly the Best Brass Ensemble….Period!

SAA_0954_cSashaArutyunova2014_1600pxWEBWhen choosing these words, I have taken a lot of time to consider my final choice for one benefit of being old is that I have seen and heard many brass ensembles through the years.

I have listed below many of the most outstanding brass ensembles and how they stack up against this relatively new chamber group.

Established Brass Ensemble
Westerlies

New York Brass Quintet
The Westerlies are more accurate

Philip Jones Brass Ensemble
The Westerlies have more dynamic contrast

Canadian Brass Ensemble
The Westerlies are a tighter ensemble (yes, tighter ensemble)

Mnozil Brass
The Westerlies are more sane

Tine Thing Helseth & tenThing Brass Ensemble
The Westerlies are more creative

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
The Westerlies are more in tune

Philadelphia Brass Ensemble
The Westerlies have better team work

Empire Brass Quintet
The Westerlies don’t include Rolf Smedvig

Broken Brass Ensemble
The Westerlies are a tighter ensemble.

Lucerne Brass Ensemble
The Westerlies are more exciting

Now that I have your attention, I suggest that you watch and listen to my choice of “Possibly the Best Brass Ensemble”.

Be sure to check back for more information on this outstanding quartet as well as outstanding individuals for they have agreed to share some of their insight into brass ensemble playing, their history and their future.

Bruce was a member of the faculty at the University of Northern Iowa, School of Music in Cedar Falls from 1969 until his retirement in 1999. He has performed with many well-known entertainers such as Bob Hope, Jim Nabors, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Anita Bryant, Carman Cavalara, Victor Borgie, the Four Freshman, Blackstone the Magician, Bobby Vinton and John Davidson.

2 thoughts on “The Westerlies- Possibly the Best Brass Ensemble….Period!

  1. ruari wilson

    It’s been ages since I caught up with your fine blog, Bruce. I’d never heard of The Westerlies so I am thrilled to know about this group. Keep up the good work – thank you

    • Bruce Chidester

      Thanks for checking back and we are trying to add interesting posts every other day. Be sure to watch for our next post on this wonderful group of outstanding players.

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