Baltimore Symphony Musicians "Bring On The Brass"

On Sunday, February 4 at 2:00 p.m., children and their families will experience the rousing and inspirational power of brass music as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra presents "Bring on the Brass!" at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Conceived by BSO trumpeter Ed Hoffman, the program features a percussion-based multimedia presentation, as well as special guests, including the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets and students from Poly-Western High School's marching band.

Designed for children ages 7 to 12 and their families, this Classically Kids concert is part of the BSO's weekend Family Concerts series.

"Bring on the Brass!" features an array of brass favorites, from the Olympic Fanfare to excerpts from Mozart's Horn Concerto No. 3 with BSO principal horn Phil Munds. A program highlight includes Shout!, the highly energetic dance piece written by BSO percussionist Brian Prechtl with visual choreography by students at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County's (UMBC) Imaging Resource Lab. With driving rhythms and vibrant imagery, "Shout! is like a new form of art," commented Mr. Prechtl.

BSO trumpeter Ed Hoffman conceived of this BSO education program as a way to engage area students as both audience members and as music-makers. For this concert, students from Baltimore County's Poly-Western High School will share the stage with BSO musicians as well as the Peabody Institute's Trombone Choir. Mr. Hoffman stated that, "For the kids in the audience, the music becomes more personal when they see their peers performing onstage. They get to hear great music; this program is certainly loud and certainly effective."

The Grammy® Award-winning Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is committed to introducing young audiences to the excitement of classical music through a comprehensive set of educational initiatives designed for students ages 3-18. With engaging themes, guest artists, interactive programming and stimulating visual elements, the BSO's education programs reach over 50,000 students each year, performing 30 Midweek Education Concerts, 6 weekend Family Concerts, a variety of classroom-based educational programs and special events.

Andrew Constantine, BSO associate conductor

Having gained a reputation in Europe and the United Kingdom as a conductor of great skill, charisma, energy and versatility, Andrew Constantine and his family moved to the United States at the beginning of the 2004-05 season, when he accepted the position of Assistant Conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. A year later, he was given the title of Associate Conductor and each season conducts dozens of Baltimore Symphony concerts including main series, pops, youth and special concerts.

Born in England of Russian descent, he had the opportunity to learn from some of the greatest teachers in the music world, such as John Carewe, Norman Del Mar, and Leonard Bernstein. In 1991, Andrew Constantine won the first Donatella Flick/Accademia Italiana Conducting Competition and shortly thereafter, with the assistance of a British Council Scholarship, entered the class of conducting legend Ilya Musin at the Leningrad State Conservatory. He also had the good fortune to spend a year as Assistant Conductor to Giuseppe Sinopoli and now Mr. Constantine guest conducts throughout Europe and the United Kingdom. This past season he returned to conduct the St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, and regularly works with London's great orchestras such as the Philharmonia, the Royal Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra.

U.S. Army Herald Trumpets

The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets is the most spectacular element of The U.S. Army Band, "Pershing's Own." Since its founding in 1959, The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets has performed for an illustrious array of presidents, prime ministers and royalty. The Army Herald Trumpets has performed fanfares for several Olympic opening ceremonies. The ensemble's appearances at several World's Fairs, the opening of Walt Disney World, the "G8" Economic Summits in 1984, 1990, and 2004, and the pre-game of Superbowl XXXIX were critically acclaimed. The Army Herald Trumpets are frequently seen by millions worldwide while performing on televised events celebrating American holidays and special events. -- www.baltimoresymphony.org