Potsdam Brass Quintet

The Potsdam Brass Quintet, established in 1968, is the brass quintet-in-residence at The Crane School of Music, State University of New York at Potsdam.   The quintet has performed in concert throughout much of the United States and Canada including performances at New York's Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.   The ensemble has been featured at state, national, and international music conferences including appearances at the International Trombone Festival, International Horn Society Workshop, College Music Society Conference, Skyline Brass Music Festival, MENC National Conference, Texas Music Educators Association Convention, New York State School Music Association Conference, and the New England Brass Convention.   In addition to recital performances, the quintet regularly presents workshops for music educators and clinics for younger audiences in elementary and secondary school settings.   The ensemble has performed in concert with Canadian Brass and the Gregg Smith Singers.   The Potsdam Brass Quintet has recorded four albums on the Kendor and Mark Recording labels-- New York Composers, Music for Brass Quintet, La Réjouissance, and The Art of Brass.

Clinic :   Developing Musical Independence Through Chamber Music

The traditional format of the school wind band program--the large ensemble rehearsal coupled with private or small-group lessons--has been hugely successful in developing in students high levels of technical and musical skills as well as providing meaningful musical experiences.   One program goal that may not be met fully is the development of independent musical thought.   The inclusion of a chamber music component (trios, quartets, quintets) in the wind band program provides the opportunity for students to develop musical independence and encourages continued involvement in instrumental music activities beyond the classroom.   The clinic/performance by the Potsdam Brass Quintet presents a rationale, procedure, and repertoire for developing an effective school chamber music program.