ISU Faculty Brass Quintet performs with special guest artist

Randy Mitchell (left), Alex Lapins (right)

Brian Kilp (left), Michael Mann (right)

The ISU Faculty Brass Quintet is a group of ISU faculty members who travel to various locations and perform for different audiences.

On Monday, the quintet performed at the Recital Hall in the Center for Performing Arts. They played with special guest artist Paul Bro, who plays the alto saxophone.

Randy Mitchell, director of the music department, plays the trombone and believes that playing music is a complex art.

"Musicians are never satisfied," said Mitchell, "It's a constant growth process, so we get pleased, but never satisfied."

All of the members play professionally and are part of the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra.

They also toured at many high schools across the state and played the national anthem for the state marching band contest.

Last year, they performed three concerts at the Shenyang Conservatory in Shenyang, China. Alongside the concerts, they also taught master classes at Liaoning University.

"We play a wide variety from baroque music to American jazz, so it's always a pleasure to play for different audiences," said Mitchell.

Monday's concert in the recital hall featured music by Duke Ellington, Fisher Toll and other reputable artists. The prelude was a piece of music that they collected in China.

"We try to perform on campus at least twice a year to offer a good show and to recruit new students," said trumpet player Michael Mann.

The quintet frequently travels across Indiana to recruit students who show an interest in music.

Mann explained that recruiting new students is important because it allows music to constantly spread and spark interest.

He also stressed the importance of performing for students and exposing them to this kind of music.

"It's important to show students a good time and give them an opportunity to hear professional music from those that teach them," said Mann.