LAAC News:
The Los Alamos Arts Council presents a free Brown Bag Brass Octet concert at noon today at Fuller Lodge.
Two brass quintets play regularly in town: High Mesa and Brave New Brass. They decided to combine forces and play some large ensemble music. The Octet has four players from one quintet and three from the other, plus one agreeable sub.
With this number of performers, the Octet could choose from a vast collection of Gabrieli double-choirs and other large-group pieces. The Gabrieli pieces represent the height of polyphonic music from the Renaissance era, and the pieces chosen showcase that style. Included are other Renaissance-era music by composers of that period, such as Bach, Susato, and Boismortier.
Contemporary composers, including one whose composition for brass octet won the composer an award from the prestigious Dallas Wind Symphony, round out the performance.
In addition to the large-ensemble music, there will be a trombone trio, trumpet quartet, and what is surely the premier performance of a tuba duet in Los Alamos.
The performers:
Bruce Warren moved to Los Alamos in 2000, after a career teaching photography. After decades of not playing, he picked up the trombone again in 2008 and enjoys playing with the Los Alamos Community Winds and other musical groups in town.
Jerry Morzinski performs regularly on tuba and trombone with various groups in Los Alamos and Santa Fe. He also directs the choir at IHM Catholic Church.
Mandy Marksteiner has been playing the trumpet for more than 20 years, has a B.A. in music from Lawrence University and teaches trumpet lessons. She also has a full-service advertising business, is married and has two children.
Bruce Letellier plays regularly with numerous ensembles in Los Alamos and Santa Fe. He also works with the high school drama department.
Deniece Korzekwa plays tuba with the Los Alamos Community Winds, string bass with the Los Alamos Big Band and the Los Alamos Symphony Orchestra. In her spare time she calls square dancing for Mountain Mixers square dance club.
Dave Korzekwa plays trumpet regularly with the Los Alamos Community Winds and the Los Alamos Symphony Orchestra. He also enjoys repairing and customizing brass instruments.
Dean Decker has played trumpet in Community Symphonies and bands for 40 years. He currently plays with the Los Alamos Symphony Orchestra and the Los Alamos Big Band.
Larry Bronisz started musical studies in the Los Alamos schools long ago, including lessons from Jan McDonald. He enjoys classical and jazz genres, and has recently taken up cello again.
