The First Brass of Sarasota: Heroic Brass – Surviving – September 14 at 4:00 p.m.; Heroic Brass – Thriving – September 28, at 5:15 p.m.

Dr. Richard Nichols

“Give Him Glory” by Richard Nichols

to be played for the first time in Florida

At 4:00 p.m. September 14th, The First Brass will present a concert entitled “Heroic Brass, Surviving” at St. Boniface Church.  We will perform works by Gustav Holst, John Williams along with composer/arranger Dr. Richard Nichols.

One of the pieces, written by Rick, that is being performed is a Florida premier entitled “Give Him Glory” commissioned by the American Guild of Organists of California.  “This piece will give you goosebumps!” exclaims artistic director Gary Reinstrom, “It is extremely well suited for the loudest pipe organ on Florida’s West Coast.  You mix the organ with 18 fabulous brass and percussion musicians, a dash of voices, and then serve it up in the acoustically astounding sanctuary of St. Boniface.  It will knock your socks off!”

Dr. Nichols has composed music for the Metropolitan Opera, as well as the Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Indiana orchestras. “Rick has played with the

Sarasota Orchestra as a French horn player and knows how to write killer horn parts” says Gary. “We will be playing some great pieces and we’ll be honoring our first responders who we remember at this time of the year.

You do not want to miss this emotional, powerful show!”

On September 14, 2014, The First Brass of Sarasota and organist NeilPage, will present “Heroic Brass – Surviving” at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key, FL at 4:00 p.m.  The show will reflect on the events that took place on 9-11 and will honor First Responders and those who lost their lives.  The performance will showcase three of this regions young virtuosos: Carlann Evans, Sara Peeples-McNatt and Federico Valencia.

Two weeks  later on September 28, 2014, The First Brass will team up with organist, Ann Stephenson-Moe presenting “Heroic Brass – Thriving” at Church of the Redeemer, 222 N. Palm Ave, Sarasota, FL at 5:15 p.m.  This concert captures the resilience of the American spirit to overcome adversity.

The First Brass includes trumpets, trombones, French horns, tubas, percussion and keyboard.  Repertoire includes John Williams’ “Summon the Heroes,” and “The Theme from Superman”, “Mars from The Planets” by Gustav Hoist and in keeping with the groups sacred roots, the brass will raise the roof with original arrangements by Rick Nichols: “Holy, Holy, Holy”, “Worship the King”, and “Be Still My Soul”.

Carlann Evans is a member of the Sarasota Orchestra and Musicians Out of the Box.  She enjoys teaching, working on recording projects and playing jazz violin. One of the pieces Carlann

 will play is “Schindler’s List” by John Williams.

Soprano, Sara Peeples-McNatt, has been described by the Tampa Bay Times as “impressive,” “moving,” and “charming.”  She has performed throughout Florida and with several orchestras

in the Tampa Bay Area.

Federico Valencia was born 20 years ago in Columbia.  At age 18, Federico won his country’s National Trumpet Competition and this past year he came in 4th place at the United States Trumpet Competition held in Harrisburg, PA.  He is currently a student at University of South Florida and a member of the First Brass.  Federico will play the solo part in “Summon the Heroes” by John Williams.

Neil Page, Organist at St. Boniface Episcopal Church

Neil will join The First Brass on September 14.

Ann Stephenson-Moe, Organist at Church of the Redeemer

Ann will be on the bench on September 28.