Boston Brass

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Boston Brass is setting new standards in entertainment. From exciting classical arrangements, to breathtaking vocal harmony, to burning jazz standards, Boston Brass achieves new levels in brass performance while treating audiences to a unique musical experience that captivates all ages. The ensemble's lively repartee, touched with humor and personality, bridges the vast ocean of classical formality to delight audiences to an evening of boisterous fun, exciting knowledge and an enthusiastic love of music, deftly exhibited by five brash brass players. Boston Brass has transcended the traditional mores of brass ensemble literature and, with a host of original arrangements, has pioneered a new generation of music that sets out to achieve one simple goal: entertain at all costs with blistering precision. Whether they are performing solo or with a symphony orchestra, the fun and emotion exhibited from this group is uniquely infectious and keeps audiences on their feet, demanding encore after encore.
Performing over 100 concerts annually, the members of Boston Brass have dazzled audiences at concerts and jazz festivals around the world in such cities as Tokyo, Singapore, Taipei, Macau, New York, Portland, Seattle, Philadelphia, Detroit, Dallas, San Antonio, Washington DC, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. As committed to education as they are to performance, they have conducted master classes at colleges and universities around the country including The Eastman School of Music, Rice University, Peabody Conservatory of Music, University of Connecticut, Syracuse University, University of North Carolina, University of Florida, University of North Texas, Boston University, Yale University, University of Michigan and U.C.L.A. Boston Brass has also conducted clinics and concerts at national and regional music educational conferences in New York, Massachusetts, Georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Missouri, Iowa, South Carolina, Ohio and Texas. Boston Brass helped raise over $100,000 for VH1’s Save the Music program, giving musical instruments to schools in need. Boston Brass has been featured educators and performers at the Mid West Band and Orchestra Conference, American Bandmaster Association Conference in Gainesville, FL, Southern Oregon University’s American Band College in Ashland, OR, and at the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention in San Antonio, TX. In October 2006 Boston Brass became Artist/Educational Ambassadors for Jupiter Band Instruments.
During the 2005 season Boston Brass made their debut appearances in the Far East, with an eight city concert tour of Taiwan, and as featured guest ensemble at the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) 2005 conference in Singapore. They also much acclaimed concert appearances in Hong Kong and Macau. In December 2005 Boston Brass made their debut tour of Japan with an eight city tour.
Boston Brass has been featured on The CBS Early Show, National Public Radio's Performance Today, The Great American Brass Band Festival and has recorded several ground breaking, extraordinary, delightful albums. Two of these albums appear on the Summit Records label: Stealing the Show, a collection of overtures and arias, and Young Fogeys, a collage of jazz and swing favorites. The ensemble’s latest release on the Loft Recordings label entitled Out of This World, features heroic music for brass and organ. Along with Seattle's St. Mark's Cathedral organist J. Melvin Butler, the band explores symphonic textures from all eras of music and even includes a commission from Hollywood composer Bruce Edward Miller entitled Pluto: The Last Planet. The summer of 2000 proved to be an exciting time as Boston Brass teamed up with the legendary jazz recording genius Rudy van Gelder to produce Ya Gotta Try. This collaboration, which features music from Horace Silver, Chick Corea, Dizzy Gillespie and many others, further explores the innovative jazz styles that have propelled Boston Brass to the forefront of their genre. The 2003 release of Within Earshot features classical pieces by Shostakovich, Ginastera, Dvorak, Liszt and others. In that same year, Boston Brass collaborated with the Syracuse University Wind Ensemble for a new recording of Christmas classics titled Christmas Bells are Swingin’, which was released in 2004 and featured many of the most beloved tunes of the holiday season.
In winter 2005, the Boston Brass All-Stars Big Band was born when the five members of the ensemble were joined by twelve other well known brass players and musicians to record A Stan Kenton Christmas. This recording of holiday music, conducted by brass master Sam Pilafian, features truly phenomenal charts made popular by the Stan Kenton Orchestra and performed with the enormously powerful sound of thirteen horns and jazz rhythm section. Boston Brass and the Brass All-Stars Big Band began touring “A Stan Kenton Christmas” in December 2006 and look forward to future holiday seasons.

MEMBERS

J.D. SHAW-French Horn

J. D. Shaw received his Masters in Music Performance at the Eastman Scool of Music and was honored with a Performers Certificate. Touring extensively throughout the United States, Japan, and Europe, he has performed with such orchestras as the Vienna Philharmonic, Orchestra of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, the Missouri Symphony, Youngstown Symphony, Wichita Symphony and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

In addition, Mr. Shaw has been an award winner at the M.T.N.A. National Recital Competition and at the International Horn Society Symposium. Solo credits include performances on Lark Recordings, appearing as a guest artist at the Newport Music Festival and performing on soundtracks for many commercials and motion pictures. J. D. creates most of the innovative arrangements that have helped establish the instantly recognizable hallmark sound of Boston Brass.

Personal Notes

My earliest musical memories are awaking at 6 a.m. to the sounds of Beethoven piano sonatas practiced by my older brother. These soirees were inspiring experiences that shaped my future career. At the time, though, I detested the loud interruptions to my slumber. Music was important to all of my family. My mother was a church vocalist and my father played piano, organ, clarinet and oboe. Dad took my two brothers and me to the symphony quite often and we learned to enjoy a variety of music.

In fourth grade I began playing a Viola. My instructor, Kevin Hoeschen, was a humorous, relaxed person who made learning a notoriously dull instrument, fascinating and challenging. When I saw him perform the Hindemith Viola Concerto, I immediately thought, "Performing! Yeah, that's for me".

When our family moved to another state and a school system with no string program I was driven to study a band instrument. I wanted a difficult instrument that no one in my family played. The choir director at my church and local band director, Tim McGarvey, played French Horn so I began studying the horn prior to our move. In my new school's band, contests and my natural competitiveness, frustrated and excited me to practice. I was fortunate at this time to study with Dr. Michael Hernon at the University of Tennessee who helped me develop a solid foundation.

At age 13 I was introduced to an activity where I could work on my chops all summer. I started touring with the Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps and then Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. Drum corps was incredibly demanding physically but the experience was priceless in developing discipline and consistency in my playing. In Drum Corps I was privileged to learn from some great teachers and pedagogues who were obscessed with imparting a flawless, relaxed technique, and the beauty of musical nuance and phrase to young musicians.

Playing horn in high school bands directed by Sid Showalter and with the Wichita Youth Symphony, I was also lead trumpet in Jazz Band. It was there that I was first introduced to the exciting sounds of jazz lead players, particularly John Faddis, who coached our jazz band once and thrilled me with the true meaning of higher, faster, louder!

At Wichita State University I studied with Dr. Nicholas E. Smith, who I regard as one of the finest horn players in the country. I was appointed Assistant Principal Horn of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and was privileged to sit next to Dr. Smith weekly, hearing beautiful and consistent horn playing that was second to none. Even today I strive to play with the perfection and individuality that Dr. Smith embodied in his performance and teaching.

While receiving a Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music, I was honored to study with one of the icons of horn pedagogy, Verne Raynolds. His calm and precise tutelage was invaluable developing an intensity and diligence that demanded performance to the highest artistic standards. While at Eastman I performed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and began my chamber music experience.

One summer I spent a few weeks in Vienna where I soaked up the Viennese traditions of Mozart and Beethoven studying with longtime principal horn of the Vienna Philharmonic, Roland Berger.

Completing my time at Eastman, I began playing with Boston Brass believing that this was an exceptional opportunity to play in a more solistic role as well as being part of an internationally known chamber ensemble. Touring the world with Boston Brass reveals the unique chemistry and artistic abilities, each member bringing an innovative perspective to bear on the music performed offering styles of music for any audience.

Aside from music, I enjoy outings with my Siberian Husky, Guinivere, as well as golfing, racquetball, skiing and biking. When I am not performing with Boston Brass, I enjoy performing with my wife, Roseanne, who is an opera singer. Stress relief comes in the form of music arranging for Boston Brass constantly striving to expand the repertoire and their styles of music. Arranging for other organizations such as jazz bands, brass choir, wind ensembles, orchestras and marching bands is a pleasure. Whenever possible I enjoy teaching brass players in high school, college, and drum and bugle corps. This is important to me as I hope I can inspire young brass players to excellence as others have inspired me. People often say that a certain person has "talent" but I believe that "talent" is simply having the drive and determination to achieve anything you truly desire.

Jeff Conner-Trumpet

Jeff Conner received his Masters in Music from Boston University and his Bachelors in Music from Boston Conservatory. Jeff has been a soloist with the Boston College Symphony and the Salem Philharmonic. He has performed with the Music at Gretna Summer Festival, New England Philharmonic, Nashua Symphony, Harvard-Radcliffe Chamber Orchestra, Pierre Monteux Orchestra, Boris Goldovsky Summer Opera Orchestra, and Empire Brass Symposium at Tanglewood. Jeff is a founding member of Boston Brass and has engineered the meteoric rise of this ensemble's fame in the world of popular chamber music.

Personal Notes

I started playing the trumpet in the fourth grade because of the song, 'Rain Drops Keep Falling on My Head'. I heard this song demonstrated on a tenor saxophone and remember telling my parents that this was the instrument for me. They suggested that I try the trumpet since my Dad had played in High School and still had his C.G. Conn Constellation in the attic. More than twenty years later I am still playing the trumpet and have never learned to play 'Rain Drops Keep Falling on My Head'.

The two biggest influences on my early career were my Middle and High School Band Directors, Jerry Kazangian and Al Ezer. Jerry helped me develop a solid musical beginning and introduced me to all kinds of music including jazz. I remember Al's encouragement even before I was in high school. Acknowledging me in middle school band, motivated me to practice so that I could compete as soon as I entered high school. All this early practicing paid off when I was selected to play in the senior jazz band as a freshman. Al taught me many things about music and the music business. Most importantly he taught me to respect music and the musicians you perform with. Even though Al has passed away I think of him every time I play. I owe both of these men all my thanks for their invaluable guidance and support throughout my school years and even beyond. My parents have probably been the biggest influence in my life, without them I probably would not have made it so far.

The summer before I went to college I had the wonderful opportunity to study Quintet playing and trumpet performance at Tanglewood. After a summer of quintet playing I knew this is what I wanted to do the rest of my life. My undergraduate degree is from Boston Conservatory of Music and my graduate degree is from Boston University School for the Arts. While at Boston Conservatory I had the privilege to study trumpet with Tim Morrison. Tim has one of the most beautiful and musical sounds I have ever heard. He taught me many new concepts and musical ideas.

Over the years I have been extremely active in music education. For six years, I was the Director of Bands at the Fenn School in Concord, Massachusetts. My experience at Fenn was great. I had the opportunity to work with many talented young musicians and dedicated teachers. Even today, I am in contact with many of my friends from Fenn. When I am not on the road touring, I am spending time at home with my wife, Carrie and our Westie, Avalon. As an avid golfer, I have had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people on the road who have invited me to play on their home courses.

Lance LaDuke-Trombone, Euphonium

Lance LaDuke is the newest member of the Boston Brass (they lost a bet). He is the solo euphoniumist (and resident comic) of the River City Brass Band and teaches at Duquesne and Carnegie Mellon Universities.

He received a bachelor�s degree in Music Education from Michigan State University. After graduate study at the University of Akron and George Mason University, he joined the U.S. Air Force Band in Washington D.C. While there, he performed for two presidents, countless dignitaries and heads of state and in hundreds of protocol functions, ceremonies, and public relations tours, here and abroad.

Lance has performed with many of the top brass groups in the country, has appeared on over thirty recordings and has produced nine others. Henry Mancini, Doc Severinsen, Morton Gould, E.G. Marshall, Morgan Freeman, and Frederick Fennell have each described Lance as �a prolific name-dropper.

Jose Sibaja-Trumpet

Jose brings an incredible level of artistry, humor and personality to the Boston Brass. He is a native of Costa Rica and studied at the New World School of the Arts and at the University of Miami in Gilbert Johnson's studio. As an orchestral player, Jose has held positions in the Miami Symphony, the Sinfonietta de Caracas and the Orquesta Sinfonica Venezuela as well as performed as soloist with the Springfield Symphony, Orquesta Sinfonica Venezuela, Orquesta Sinfonica de Carabobo and Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Costa Rica; among others.

Jose has been active in South Florida�s Latin music scene and was a member of Ricky Martin�s band for eight years. He has also recorded with Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan,Alejandro Sanz and Franco de Vita; among others. Jose has performed on television on such shows as the Grammy Awards, The American Music Awards, The MTV Music Awards, Total Request Live, The Rosie O�Donnell Show, Late Night with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Saturday Night Live.

Personal Notes

Growing up in a country like Costa Rica, the lack of resources and information makes almost anything you try to accomplish a challenge. Maybe that is one of the main reasons why learning to play the trumpet seemed so appealing when I was younger. It was a challenge and an adventure. It probably helped that I had a great time doing it and it came somewhat easy to me.

I started playing out of curiosity. Coming from a family with almost no musical background, but having the natural attraction and passion that anyone feels when listening to music, soccer was my main activity growing up; and music of course was more of hobby than anything else. It wasn�t until I discovered a recording of Maurice Andre playing the Hummel and the Haydn trumpet concertos that I really fell in love with playing the trumpet, and the challenge took care of the rest. That same challenge and passion are still what �drive the bus� today. From plane to plane, from place to place, and especially far away from home, life can sometimes be difficult and somewhat deceiving, but that fire that burns inside keeps me going everyday.

When I was 16, I had the opportunity to attend the Sewanee Summer Music Center in Sewanee, Tennessee. At the time, it seemed like little more than a trip to get to see the United States and meet some new people, but it turned out to be a life changing experience. Playing in different ensembles everyday, and the fact that almost everybody spoke the same language (not necessarily English!!!) made me realize that music was what I wanted to do. From then on the opportunities seemed to appear themselves and when I met my primary trumpet teacher Gilbert Johnson, my dream came true. A scholarship to study with him followed and in less time than I expected, I was attending school in Miami and living one of the richest experiences in my life. And talk about a teacher - Gil was �THE teacher.� His knowledge not only shaped me as a trumpet player, but far more importantly, as a human being. I have been blessed in my short life, from getting to see the world to playing with the best musicians; my career has been nothing but an exhilarating adventure, full of anecdotes and great moments.

Another key experience was the opportunity given to me by Wynton Marsalis. This living musical legend and outstanding human being awarded me a scholarship to attend the Eastern Music Festival. At age 18, playing in a master class for him, I realized that music was not only about playing an instrument, but more importantly about communicating. Wynton�s love and respect for music, as well as his devotion to teaching, inspired me deeply on a personal level. His artistry and musical genius did its part on a musical level.

Playing with Boston Brass is a combination of communicating and teaching, as well as entertaining. Being able to say what you think is priceless��. But having other people to share it with and to discuss it with is even better. Through this process, learning becomes easy and never stops. The day we think we know it all is the day we stop learning, therefore we stop our growth as professionals and as human beings. Music is a gift, a gift from God; it is our responsibility to touch people with it and share it.

Andrew Hitz-Tuba

Andrew Hitz has received a Bachelor's Degree in tuba performance at Northwestern University while studying with Rex Martin. He also worked extensively under Sam Pilafian at Arizona State University. Andrew's commitment and love of chambermusic began as a student of the Empire Brass Seminar at Tanglewood. He has performed at the National Orchestral Institute and with the National Repertory Orchestra. Andrew has also appeared with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and the New World Symphony. Andrew's dynamic style and charm make him a welcome addition as the newest member of Boston Brass.

Personal Notes

The first concert I ever attended was the Boston Symphony at Tanglewood. I was only about a week old and they were performing Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture with real cannons exploding. This is an annual tradition of the Tanglewood On Parade festival. I lie sound asleep in my mother's arms while she felt me tremble with the sounds of the cannons and the symphony, none of which could wake me up. My mom likes to say that anyone who finds that soothing was destined to be a low brass player!

One morning, at the beginning of fourth grade, my class was escorted to the band room. At the front of the room our band teacher, Bob Mealey, had all the band instruments lined up across the front of the room and gave a demonstration of each instrument to many ooh's and ah's in the crowd. When he asked for volunteers, my hand shot up like everyone else's around me. When he called on me, he noticed that I was tall and handed me the largest instrument. I played a couple of wretched notes and immediately fell in love. I had found a friend for life.

Growing up outside of Boston enabled me to have a lot of opportunities to see great music live. My parents are both avid classical music fans and we frequented Symphony Hall and Tanglewood to hear the Boston Symphony perform. The Boston area also provided me with some very rewarding youth ensembles, the Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble and the Greater Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra. The summer after my freshman year of high school was a life changing event for me when I enrolled in the Empire Brass Seminar at Tanglewood for the first time. This is where I first worked with Sam Pilafian, teacher and performer extrordinaire. At the age of 14, I was blown away by watching the Empire Brass rehearse every single day for a month. This gave me a great passion about playing in brass quintets from an early age.

I received my Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance at Northwestern University where I studied with Rex Martin. I simply do not know a better artist than Mr. Martin on the tuba and he is a true inspiration for all of those lucky enough to experience him. He taught me many different aspects of music and prepared me to encounter anything related to the tuba.

While in Chicago, I was able to have some exposure to the late Arnold Jacobs. In the one lesson and handful of master classes I attended with Mr. Jacobs, he and his teaching embodied everything I loved about music. I learned a lot about life just by observing how these two gentlemen approached their crafts. When it came time to pursue a Master's Degree, Sam Pilafian called and asked if I wanted to be the Graduate Teaching Assistant at Arizona State University. This proved to be an invaluable experience for both my playing and my teaching as I was able to teach some of the most talented young tuba players in the country while stretching myself in new musical directions as well. I joined a Dixieland band called the Dixie Devils with which Sam would play trombone occasionally.

It was Sam who introduced me to the guys in the Boston Brass for the first time for which I am forever indebted to him. The opportunity to join the Boston Brass and tour the country is a dream come true. When you play great music with great people some magical moments are bound to occur. All of us in the Boston Brass have one very important thing in common: a love of music. Music holds a very special place in my heart and I love to share it with people.

When I'm not on the road with the band, I frequently travel to see other kinds of live music. I always have been and I always will be a big fan of good old rock and roll. My favorite band is Phish, which I have now seen over 100 times. They are a constant source of inspiration and energy in my own playing and I will continue to see them whenever possible as their music is in a perpetual state of change. I am also a fan of all kinds of improvisational music such as Medeski Martin & Wood or Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. And for those rare moments when I'm not on the road, I enjoy spending time in the Berkshires or catching a Red Sox game at Fenway Park.