Founded by its musicians in January 1988, the Salt River Brass has thrilled audiences in the Valley's finest concert venues, received honors in three North American Brass Band Association competitions, and presented outstanding guest soloists, ensembles, and conductors to valley audiences. Music Director Julie Desbordes brings her passion for music and her extensive experience to the stage, leadin
g some of the Valley's best brass and percussion performers. Joined by our entertaining stage manager Arthur Brodsky, our all-volunteer ensemble is excited to perform for the best audiences in our community. World renowned performers have been showcased alongside the Salt River Brass throughout its 34-year history. Some of these marvelous musical masters include:
*Legendary jazz trombonist, Harry Watters
*Principal horn of the National Symphony, Martin Hackleman
*Scottish cornet virtuosi Phillip McCann and Roger Webster
*Leader of the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Bill Tole
*Welsh euphonium soloists Bob and Nick Childs
*Remarkable euphonium soloist Steven Mead
*Conductor/arranger Ray Farr
*New York Philharmonic Principal Trumpet Philip Smith
*Eminent conductor of the City of London Wind Ensemble, Geoffrey Brand
*International Steinway artist, Rich Ridenour
*North America's Preeminent Trumpet Soloist, Jens Lindemann
*Former tuba/euphonium professor at Arizona State University and Empire Brass founder, Sam Pilafian. In the summer of 2009, the Salt River Brass performed at the International Tuba and Euphonium Conference in Tucson, AZ. In the summer of 2013, the Salt River Brass was cordially invited to be the featured opening night concert of the Texas Bandmasters Association conference, a prestigious performance granted in the past 50 years to only the elitist of bands in the United State (i.e. President's Own Marine Band, Pershing's Own Army Band, "The World's Finest" USAF Band, Airmen of Note, etc.). This concert featured famed trombonist, Harry Watters, supreme vocalist, Carole Fitzpatrick, and the incomparable percussionist, Dan Bukvich. In the summer of 2014, the Salt River Brass will record an album with virtuosic trombonist, Harry Watters. This record will feature Harry, Dan Bukvich, and Patrick Sheridan on charts from "The Great American Songbook." A concert will be held at the Mesa Arts Center on Saturday, June 14 at 7:30pm with world renown trombonist, Harry Watters, and special guest artist, Kevin Clark, the leader and trumpet soloist of the world famous "Dukes of Dixieland." Patrick Sheridan and The Salt River Brass will be joined by pianist, Michael Kocour, and drummer, Dan Bukvich, providing the musical backdrop for our soloists' journey through America's most treasured songs! The Salt River Brass also regularly features the talents of audience favorites Melissa Spevacek, Dom Moio, Stuart Ambrose, Justin Carpenter, Carole Fitzpatrick, and Dan Bukvich.
