30 Years of Brass

The Triangle Brass Band, under the direction of Tony Granados, presents “30 Years of Brass” on Sunday, October 2, 2016 at 4:00 pm at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, 2209 Fairview Rd. in Raleigh, NC. Special contributors to the program include Robin Gorham, Guest conductor, Billy Helton, Euphonium Soloist, and Bob Peckham, Flugelhorn Soloist.

In 1986, Ronald Reagan was the President of the United States, a gallon of gas cost $1.40 and a first-class postage stamp was 22 cents. “Out of Africa” won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and the Chicago Bears stomped the New England Patriots in the SuperBowl, 46-10.  That same year the WRAL British Brass Band became a reality, providing a performing home for the Triangle area’s finest amateur brass players.  Now known as the “Triangle Brass Band,” the group begins its 30-year celebrations with a concert which looks back on these first three decades.

The concert features selections which have been staples of the TBB’s repertoire over their impressive history, including “Little Suite for Brass,” by Malcolm Arnold, “Be Thou My Vision,” arranged by Marcia La Reau, William Himes’ moving setting of “Amazing Grace,” and the popular marches “Valdres” (Johannes Hanssen),”Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite” (Karl King) and “Sunburst” (U.S. Army Band composer James Hosay).  Robin Gorham guest-conducts the group on “Orion,” by Jan Van der Roost and on the moving “On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss,” as arranged by David Holsinger, with the brass band arrangement by James Hile.  Two members of the ensemble are featured as soloists – Billy Helton tackles Phillip Sparke’s challenging Euphonium showcase, “Harlequin,” and Flugelhorn soloist Bob Peckham presents Ray Farr’s haunting arrangement of “Over the Rainbow,” by Harold Arlen.

Hayes Barton United Methodist Church (http://hbumc.org/) is located in the heart of the Five Points neighborhood in downtown Raleigh, and hosts a number concerts and cultural events throughout the year.  Tickets for this concert by the Triangle Brass Band are available on-line through Brown Paper Tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2604275.  Ticket prices are ($10 adult, $5 senior/student, plus tax and service charges).