 Photo, l. to r.: Lawrence Borden, principal
trombone, Nashville Symphony; Mark Moore, professor of tuba, University of Illinois; Allan
Cox, professor of trumpet, University of Southern Mississippi; Michael Tunnell, professor
of trumpet, University of Louisville; Bruce Heim, professor of horn, Louisiana State
University. |
I am a founding member of Sonus Brass, a brass quintet which
has performed to critical acclaim in the U.S., Far East, and South America. Sonus Brass
will perform at the 1999 International Trumpet Guild Conference in Richmond, Virginia. The
quintet has released a compact disc entitled Sonus Brass Captured.
Sonus Brass is the realization of a desire to bring together the artistic talents of
five brass players from different areas of the United States. Formed in 1987, the group
has as its members five musicians who have worked with founder Allan Cox in various
settings, ranging from the University of Southern Mississippi to the Sewanee Summer Music
Festival. Sonus is a unique ensemble in that the geographical separation of its members is
no impediment to musical and artistic success. Indeed, the close bond of friendship and
musical affinity is evident in the ability of the group to consistently produce polished
and seasoned performances which showcase the individual talents as well as the "one
heart/one mind" attitude necessary for small ensemble playing.
Sonus has numerous international performances to its credit, including three Asian and
two South American tours/residencies. Highlights include residencies at the First Pan
American Brass Symposium held in Trujillo, Venezuela, in November, 1996, at the 1990
Taipei Brass Workshop, and at the 1992 Taiching, Taiwan Brass Workshop. Sonus performed at
the 1992 TUBA Conference in Lexington, Kentucky, and that same year released the CD Sonus
Brass Captured on the Mark label.
Here is a sample of the critical acclaim for Sonus Brass:
Barry Kilpatrick of The American Record Guide – "Sonus plays with care
and intelligence…there is flexibility and thoughtfulness." Gary Barrow of the
ITG Journal wrote, "sounds as tight as any brass quintet
around!…consistently strong performances and energetic spirit…an exemplar in the
fundamentals of quality ensemble playing." T.U.B.A.writer Mark Nelson states,
"The quintet displays a good ear for intonation, good blending of the trumpets and
tight rhythmic control…superb musicianship." |
