The Benson Brass Collective will perform for the first-ever concert at the McMillan Arts Centre Community Garden on Aug. 23.
The newly-formed ensemble’s repertoire is eclectic and diverse and includes everything from Bach to the Beatles, the Bee Gees and beyond, according to a news release.
While essentially a standard brass quintet, the concept of a “brass collective” leaves the door open to other possible collaborations and combinations.
The band members include Derrick Milton (trumpet), an active member of the music scene on Salt Spring Island and Vancouver Island, and with Foothills Brass. As well as being a professional musician, Milton has had a 35-year career as a veterinarian on Salt Spring and in the Cowichan Valley.
Ed Wasiak (trumpet) is a retired professor of music education from the University of Lethbridge, author of a book on teaching instrumental music in Canadian schools, and long-time performer and conductor in a variety of musical genres. He performed for 20 seasons as a regular member of the Regina and Lethbridge Symphony Orchestras. Currently, he also performs with the Georgia Strait Big Band, Musica Decorus and the Oceanside Concert Band.
Basil McCormick (French horn) is an avid musical hobbyist and very capable horn player who pursued a career as a lawyer. While living in Cranbrook he performed with the Symphony of the Kootenays.
Andrew Clayden (trombone) is a former member of the Quebec Symphony and professor of trombone at the Quebec City Conservatory. Recent projects include Purple Kush’n, Nanaimo Musician’s Association Big Band, and the Vancouver Island Symphony.
Nancy Cox (tuba) retired from her career as a high school music teacher after 32 years teaching in the Comox Valley. She is former member of Quintessence Brass Quintet, and now an active musical theatre performer and music director.
These busy musicians perform with and have performed with many other groups. Together, they have accumulated several lifetimes of musical credentials and experiences.
Organizers expect a beautiful sunny evening in the garden and said audience members can bring their own chair and beverage/cooler.
The show starts at 7 p.m.
Admission is $23, with proceeds going to the community garden. Tickets are available online through the MAC box office or call the arts centre at 250-248-8185.
On Oct. 26, the Benson Brass Collective will play a gallery concert at the MAC, featuring mostly classical music in the afternoon.
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