Dallas Brass - Testimonials

Christopher Benoit • Band and Orchestra Director Largo High School, Largo, FL

Having my bands perform on stage with the Dallas Brass was one of the coolest things I’ve ever gotten to do in more than twenty years of teaching. It was fun, exciting, and inspirational for the students—seeing their reactions was a great reminder of why I do this job.

Anne Brandyberry • Band Director Hayes High School, Delaware, OH

As a teacher, I was thrilled to see the excitement and motivation the Dallas Brass awakened in my students. I highly recommend these musicians to any music program wanting to motivate and build their bands.

Tom Reifenberg Band Director Greendale High School, Greendale, WI

The concert was phenominal!! These guys are not only outstanding musicians, they are top notch professionals, educators and great people. Thank you for a GREAT experience for our kids!!!

Ian McKnight Band Director St. Joseph Middle School, Appleton, WI

I can say, without a doubt, that bringing in the Dallas Brass was the most exciting event of the year at my school! They do such a great job engaging the students and educating them on how music can be a part of their lives forever. I highly recommend this experience to any music educator who wants the best from his or her students.

Chris Adams Band Director Sidney High School, Sidney, OH

I cannot tell you how much the kids are still talking about the excitement you all provided. I posted some tidbits on my Trumpet Teachers 'trumpet corner' and was pleased to see other directors chime in with similar outstanding results. Thanks again for 'lighting the fire' in our kids. It takes a special talent to be able to do that.

Kelsey Lawrence Band Director Adams Middle School, Newcastle, WY

We had a blast!! The kids and community were so excited and there is a huge buzz going around the schools about what a wonderful experience this was.

Brett Krohn Band Director Monticello High School, Monticello, MN

The concert went great. It was such a treat to have the guys here. So many good comments from parents, friends, community members, and students.

Laurel Olszewski Band Director Highland View Elementary, Greendale, WI

Your performance and clinic were amazing. Parents and students are still raving about the day. I know this is an experience that will really motivate our kids and is something they will remember for a long time. It was one of the highlights of my career as well.

David Winer Band Director Avon High School, Avon, CT

...incredible concert. The Dallas Brass left our students, parents, families, staff and friends in complete awe.

Christopher Bird Band Director Kennedy High School, Cedar Rapids, IA

The Dallas Brass was a huge hit here. The kids just loved it. It was a night none of us will forget.

Gordon P. Smith Director of Bands Jerome School District, Jerome ID

Even before the concert happened, the visibility this gave our fledgling program here was a godsend -- it's opened quite a few doors for us both in Jerome and the surrounding Magic Valley. This is almost like the culminating stone of the ramp we've been building in the community's collective mind -- this isn't that little non-descript dormant nothing band program any more, after the growth in membership and quality and travel the last two years, and now to "be able to bring in someone like the Dallas Brass", as they say to us, impresses the heck out of the non-believers.

Because I'd built our boosters organization with about a dozen superb parents who bought into this early, we were able to grab a very solid handle on this production, and have thereby raised our perceived status in the school, district, community and region's mind. We're now free to go beyond the box a lot farther -- for example, we're submitting an application to perform as part of the "Cultural Olympiad" in Vancouver in 2010, and that would simply have never gone beyond my vision if it wasn't for this step first.

Gina Ordaz, my lead Booster told me Monday night that when I’d first told her that we were going to commit several thousand dollars to bringing in this group she’d never heard of, she thought, well, he must have some tricks up his sleeve I don’t know about. She (and everyone else here) eventually became convinced I had a clue what I was doing, either when we raised the money for the concert, sold enough tickets to overcome the costs, or (for the non-believers) when they actually saw you perform. (Or, as my wife put it, OK, smart-a**, now you’ve got to keep this up…) The district now believes we can bring in top-notch performing groups and be a center for the arts beyond our little school concerts, as we’ve proved with your concert.

The entire forty-plus hour visit was a tremendous experience for me and for all of us. From dinner in Twin Falls on Sunday, to the ease which Dwight put all of us on site at Monday morning setting up, to the first rehearsals with the middle school band where Michael stood in with the trombones and they went through conniptions (“He touched my pencil!”), to the wonderful clinic (slash/performance) for my two hundred plus and assorted other school bands – with Jeff’s pet fly and Nat’s video games and the local TV guy who planned to stay twenty minutes and was there two hours – to the high school rehearsal – which ranged from the joy of hearing you play my composition blocking out my job as conductor, to walking back into the hall to see Michael photographing my band playing “Louie Louie”.

The concert itself was tremendous, and was an eye-opening experience — not only for our students — but for a lot of our parents, patrons, and community. There were four standing ovations, a forty-minute mob scene in the foyer signing autographs... And so many parents raved to us about your performance; many admitted they were blown away unexpectedly by the variety in your show and the prowess you displayed.

The inclusion of my bands never felt like an afterthought, but rather as an integral part of the program – even the primary reason for the concert itself. My students certainly believed that, and your treatment of them throughout the day and especially on stage (particularly Michael’s commentary to and about them) did nothing but reaffirm the feeling. Finally, spending an extra half-hour at a meet-and-greet for my boosters and administrators after 10:30 p.m. was above and beyond the call of duty but greatly appreciated.

We’d love to have you back here whenever you’re touring in the great Intermountain west – you have a faithful following here in Jerome now, thanks to not only your wonderful performance but the way you interacted with everyone you came into contact with. Thanks for a great experience.

And on a personal note, here’s a thought Jeff can relate to… I had a flashback during your concert to an experience about twelve years ago, teaching in a different school near Boise, of hosting the Blue Devils drum corps on my football field and thinking, wow, the world-champions are marching on my field. Monday night felt exactly the same way… except that the Blue Devils didn’t let me write them a drill and stand on the podium while they performed it for a packed stadium. Thank you.

Mindee Birnstiehl Band Director Tripp-Delmont High School, Tripp, SD

Who is the Dallas Brass? I had not heard of them before I saw them perform and entertain the first time. While attending their concert, they made the comment that they love connecting with students. They didn’t care how small your school was; “even if your town had just one stoplight,” they said, you should come and talk to them after their show. I teach in a town with a population of 650 people! I am not shy, so I went up to Michael Levine after their concert and I asked him if he would consider bringing the Dallas Brass to a town where there is only one stop SIGN! This started a whole other conversation because he could tell I was serious. I have a deep passion for music education. As I talked further with Michael Levine, I could tell that our philosophies fell right in line. You do not have to be a professional musician to enjoy music. There are so many benefits to music education. Greater self-confidence, coordination, a heightened sense of responsibility, cooperation, and teamwork are just a few. Music programs provide for emotional expression, intrinsic worth, and they can have a positive impact on individuals, families, communities, and cultures.

I am writing this note to say…if you have a true passion for music education as a band director; do NOT let the size of your school or community influence your decision as to whether or not it is “doable” to bring the Dallas Brass to your town and school. Also, do NOT feel overwhelmed and think that you can take this project on all by yourself. I had three band parents that helped me organize our Dallas Brass venture, and we were able to bring in close to $14,000 in two months from the two very small communities that make up our school district. We ended up with a gymnasium full of more people than actually live in the town of Tripp and we profited close to $5,000 after all of the expenses were paid! If you have a dream, do NOT shy away from it!

Words cannot express how awesome the entire day was that my students spent with the Dallas Brass members. These gentlemen are not only phenomenal musicians, they are phenomenal people. They inspired my students. They created a passion for music in them. They befriended my kids and there are bonds and new friendships that will remain unbreakable for a lifetime!

I strongly encourage you to e-mail or call me if you are having any doubts about trying to get the Dallas Brass to your school. I had to jump through a lot of hoops with administrators and school board members, but I did not give up. I even had one school board member apologize to me for having such a negative attitude about me wanting to get the Dallas Brass to Tripp, South Dakota. He was very impressed with this group and so happy that I had a vision and used my passion to continue to push forward with this venture. Please contact me and I will be happy to share “my story” with you and give you some ideas of how to make your “dreams” of having the Dallas Brass to your school come true too!

Sincerely,

Mindee Birnstiehl
Director of Bands
Tripp-Delmont School
mindee.birnstiehl@k12.sd.us
605.212.3425 (cell #)

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Jim Bouche Principal Lakeland Union High School, Minocqua, WI

It is my great pleasure as Principal of Lakeland Union High School to endorse the great work that the Dallas Brass does for the young musicians in our country. We in the Lakeland Area of Minocqua, Wisconsin; are strong advocates of the Dallas Brass for the lasting impression that they have left on the hearts and minds of the youth and elders of our community. I would encourage any High School Principal to take advantage of the great opportunity that the Dallas Brass gives to communities’ young musicians. We are hoping that we will be able to host the DB again in the future; they are professionals who love to share their passion for music!!

Eric Anderson Principal Jerome High School, Jerome, ID

The Dallas Brass did an incredible job tailoring to our needs at Jerome High School. Allowing our band students to play with them makes the day interactive, a learning experience and FUN for our kids. Their generous efforts are greatly appreciated by the community. It is our hope that we make this a yearly endeavor.

Aaron Cook Asst. Principal Dempsey Middle School, Delaware, OH

One word, WOW! It was a wonderful night. The students are still talking about their interactions with this great group and that special night. I believe every student walked away with a greater appreciation and excitement for music. It was a truly wonderful experience that I'm sure our students will never forget.

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Mr. Lynn Vlasman Superintendent Tripp-Delmont School District, Tripp, SD

I want to thank you and the members of the Dallas Brass for providing the students of our school and the students of several of our area schools an exceptional learning experience. The music clinic and the public concert will be memories that the students and our community members will have for a lifetime. I commend you and all the members of your group for going the extra mile in working with the students, with visiting the community businesses that supported the concert, and for the extra time you took to visit and play for the senior citizens at the Good Samaritan Center.

I visited with many, many community members after the concert and heard nothing but praise for your group and your performance. The musicianship was extraordinary, your humor and interaction with the audience genuine and enthusiastic, and the breadth and diversity of your music selections appealed to every age group in attendance. It was truly a pleasure to meet you and the members of the Dallas Brass and I hope that other schools will avail themselves of the opportunity to work with your group.

Dr. Mary Anne Ashworth Superintendent Delaware City Schools, Delaware, OH

Our students’ experience with the Dallas Brass musicians helped them understand their potential and motivated them to achieve it. Our community was also able to enjoy a fabulous musical evening while supporting our students and their efforts. Everyone wants to know when they can come back!

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Mary Bowe Band Parent Hayes High School, Delaware, OH

I just have to tell you how much my family enjoyed the Dallas Brass last night! WOW! What an experience! My kids have not stopped talking about it! They really enjoyed it and I believe they were truly inspired by them. My daughter told me last night that we better start planning to soundproof the basement because she plans on practicing a lot more and wants a drum set! Not sure if that's good or bad! :-) Personally, I can't remember a more enjoyable evening of music! To see and hear our kids playing with the group was something to remember! They sounded fantastic!!!!! What a talented and inspiring group of musicians, and funny, too!! Wonderful show! THANK YOU for bringing them to share their talents with our students and families! I hope you will consider doing this again. My kids are already asking if they're coming back next year!

Dan Harley Band Parent Newcastle, WY

My daughter is in eighth grade and she was not real excited to give up a half day off school to play instruments, but I can tell you she was singing a different tune after your afternoon together. I think the Dallas Brass is doing wonders for kids’ interest to continue playing.

Ron Zielke Band Parent Watterson Area Honor Band, Delaware, OH

My son and I were so glad we went. We talked about it all weekend and beyond. I know you are looking for student responses, but I did want to thank you again for setting this up. The experience was fantastic. I was pumped all weekend and found the songs going through my head still today. In a time when a lot of schools often look to putting the arts on the chopping block due to financial constraints, Dallas Brass are great ambassadors for music and the impact it can have. Just looking around the audience and the age range that was represented....and all where equally excited....wow. All those administrators that think "music" is something they can offer up as a sacrificial lamb for the sake of finances, obviously have never been to an event such as this. What Dallas Brass does for the students they perform for (and with through the clinic/concert format), is truly amazing. The whole evening was very inspirational...and I found myself going through a range of emotions throughout the evening....and yes, I even shed a few tears...especially with the military tributes and when they played It's a Wonderful World (a personal favorite of mine). I want to personally thank Ms. Johnson for her efforts. I hope that if this opportunity arises again that Sean will have the opportunity to participate at the clinic level as well. He spoke to that very possibility himself. Thank you for all you do.

Band Parent Monticello High School, Monticello, MN

Tonight was the best $10 I've ever spent!!! What an awesome concert and opportunity for the band kids. They will always remember that. Everyone definitley went away from there impressed and proud to have them here.

Linda England Band Parent Hayes High School, Delaware, OH

We're still high on last night!! Kids had an absolute ball!! Probably the best quote of the night came from Matt; he said that was about the best thing he's ever done in his life!!

Band Parent Monticello High School, Monticello, MN

What a wonderful way to spend a cold Monticello night to be at the Dallas Brass Performance this evening. The music and talent were extraordinary, but what inspired me most was seeing our High School Band on stage with Dallas Brass!

Mark & Jennifer Jackson Band Parents Hayes High School, Delaware, OH

What a spectacular show! We had no idea what to expect, but it is without a doubt that the concert far exceeded any expectation we might have had! From the musical talent to the historical information to the entertaining showmanship, we were dazzled. We were very impressed that the director had so much information to share with the audience about the musical numbers, the instruments, the history of not only the time periods in which the pieces were written, but the composers as well, and, perhaps most importantly, how this knowledge can - and does - impact young peoples' lives. To think that just six men with six instruments could produce such a wide variety of music was amazing.

Kathleen (my daughter) said the educational clinics during the day were fantastic and she got so much out of the experience! In the last few weeks, she has referenced the Dallas Brass experience in many ways. It's refreshing for us as parents to hear this and to know that these educational and musical experiences are extending into our children's lives beyond the school day or the band room.

Tracy Whited Parent Hayes High School, Delaware, OH

What a wonderful event! My entire family enjoyed it . . .even my 10-year-old loved it! . . . I’m so proud of the band kids!!

Paul Birch Parent Blackfoot, ID

It was an incredible show – the music, the humor, the interaction with the audience, the school bands being able to perform with DB – it was all wonderful! Not only are they accomplished artists, they are gifted entertainers as well, and that is a great combination.

Lori Droppers Parent Tripp, SD

I am humbled by the inspiration and excitement this has brought to our family and community.

Stacy Parent

You guys are absolutley amazing!! You have opened my 10 year old son's eyes to so much more than I had hoped for!! Thank You!

Mark Urnes Parent Organizer Port Angeles High School, Port Angeles, WA

Parents have come up to me all day (and even last night) and told me they thought it was the best performance they have ever seen. The students were genuinely excited about what they learned from the members during the day and by the fact that they could just visit with them after the show.

Band Parent Montrose Area High School, Montrose, PA

I just want you to know how much you have done for my children.The fire that has been lit for them is amazing. Getting the instrument home to practice has always been an issue. Now they both practice for hours every night.

Band Parent Avon High School, Avon, CT

THANKS for bringing the Dallas Brass to Avon...they were amazing. I'm only sorry my husband was not able to attend.

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Jason band student Dempsey Middle School, Delaware, OH

Amazing life changing experience.

Melissa band student Mountain Home (AR) High School

Early on in the workshop, the Dallas Brass talked about a “wow” moment we’ve had in music. Some people had concerts, others movies, but I definitely had my “wow” moment at that concert. My friend called the Dallas Brass the “Metallica of classical music” before the concerts. I didn’t believe him. But they are.

Nicole band student Xavier High School, Appleton, WI

Our band (or our entire community, I should say) hasn't stopped talking about you since you left. As a matter of fact, we had our state competition for band this weekend, and we all did very well. When asked why, all of us admitted that we were inspired to practice and did a lot better because of you guys! It’s true that by watching and listening to professionals like you, it really gives us that boost and encouragement to practice and improve.

Daniela band student - baritone Greendale Middle School, Greendale, WI

I am the girl that you taught “Taps” to. Once again Thank you so much for that. I am still practicing. When I was " back stage" with you Mike I felt nervous because I felt like i was meeting someone famous. You are my insperation from now on. Once again Thank You So Much.

Nick band student - clarinet Hayes High School, Delaware, OH

Not a normal band day, the Dallas Brass inspired many, shocked parents, and created a fun night for students, their family, and the community.

Maria band student - flute Watterson Area Honor Band, Delaware, OH

I loved the Dallas Brass concert! Since I play flute, I was a little unsure about the concert, but I'm so glad I went! If they came to town again, I would definitely go again!

Nick band student - percussion Hayes High School, Delaware, OH

I never really practiced before, and now I actually run through my music more than once at home. Practicing is actually fun now.

Traehnel band student - percussion Hayes High School, Delaware, OH

This was a tremendous experience for me. It opened my eyes to appreciate music and to practice more.

Rebecca band student - trumpet Hayes High School, Delaware, OH

Jan. 15th was the best day ever! It was the coolest experience I've ever had. I'm so glad I got to play with the Dallas Brass, and I wish everyone can have the same experience. The Dallas Brass made you want to take your instrument out right after you got home, even though you were really tired.

Thomas band student - trumpet Hayes High School, Delaware, OH

The Dallas Brass inspired me to continue to keep playing my instrument because I was going to quit; but when they played the horn named flugle horn, I wanted to play that.

Brian band student - trumpet Hayes High School, Delaware, OH

This experience was a thing that really got to me because I got the chills when playing with them, and this will never leave my heart.

Emily band student- clarinet Watterson Area Honor Band, Delaware, OH

I liked how they let the students play songs on stage and be a part of the show. I also liked how they shared little fun facts about the theatre or the music. It also inspired me to keep my back straight. Thank you all for the opportunity to see this concert!!!

Elizabeth orchestra student Hayes High School, Delaware, OH

The Dallas Brass band concert was lively and entertaining, and they engaged the audience! The six instruments sounded like a full band and I was amazed at the variety of sound they produced! They are very talented. They seemed to really enjoy themselves, which made the audience enjoy it that much more as well! I play the violin in the orchestra and usually don't listen to band music, and I was amazed with the sound quality! It was a lot of fun to be there. Thanks for bringing this concert to Delaware.

Christina band student Coral Springs, FL

Hello! you guys performed at coral springs with us on dec. 4 and i will never forget that day! the drum solo was sick and i loved when jeff played xylophonia. it was aweome! Frosty the tuba was really cool!!! Before the concert, i was really nervous and i did not know what to expect. i am so glad i had the oppurtunity to play with you guys and i am definitely lookin forward to performing with you guys again. i cant wait when you come back to south FL!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE dallas brass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is Marti from last nights show. I loved hearing you play, and playing Star Wars with you was amazing. Rachel and I are happy you came. This was the most fun we've had in a while. Thank you for coming and showing us your talent. Hopefully, I will sound like that too (though different because I'm a woodwind... but.. yeah.) Every band student has "Dallas Brass is amazing!!!!" as their Facebook status. Including me.

Bella band student Puyallup, WA

When I heard that the Dallas Brass were coming to play I was excited but i never thought it would be what it turned out to be! I actually got to meet you and the rest of the band! I'm am so glad I got a chance to see you play! Yesterdays concert was an event that I will never ever forget.

Samantha band student

You guys have gotten me to love the kind of music that I thought was boring, you guys make it exciting! Thank you!

Amanda band student Greenwood, SC

You make me want to do my best in music and ya'll taught me the true meaning of music playing. It comes from your heart. It's not the music on a sheet of paper, it comes from inside and it has made me a better flute player by far! Thanks a million! I wake up and go to sleep to ya'll everyday now. You're the best you guys!!!

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Karl Sievers DMA. Professor, School of Music, University of Oklahoma; Principal Trumpet, Oklahoma City Philharmonic; Bach Artist/Clinician; General Manager, National Trumpet Competition Delaware, OH

I raved about them prior but have to chime in again... They were here in Delaware, Ohio on January 15, 2010 and absolutely awed the students — not to mention me. The playing was awsome but the time that each of the members gave to these kids and the spark that they lit in Jr. High and HS kids was incredible. I know what music means to me as an adult and -just the love of playing .... but its hard for a parent to light that fire in their kids sometimes or especially a public school band director in a "no audition" band program.

Michael Levine did it in my 13 yr old (he plays 'bone) and I'll never be able to thank him and all of them enough. The concert was only part of the experience — they worked with the kids all that afternoon. My project is going to be to get them back to my town's music program regularly. Hearing Benny Goodman's clarinet solo line on Sing Sing Sing covered by a piccolo trumpet, and hearing the violin parts covered on the Wm. Tell overture by two trmpts ---WOW!!

Vickie Maples Exec. Dir. Chamber of Commerce Sequim-Dungeness Valley, Port Angeles, WA

Thank you for sharing your talents and energy with the Olympic Peninsula! Your performance last night in Port Angeles created an atmosphere of joy and excitement for hundreds of children and adults which will long be remembered and become treasured memories. Thank you for including a tribute to our armed forces and respect for patriotism in your program. Your ability to share your love of music and provide encouragement to our youth is a treasure and your time spent here will secure enduring memories as well as instill worthy goals in our children’s future.

Phillip P. Shay Petty Officer Second Class CM2 United States Navy

You recently provided the single most important musical experience in my children’s lives here in Wichita, Kansas at Coleman Middle School. It surpassed the time I met Herb Ellis, Woody Herman and Buddy Rich at a Jazz Festival!

Audrey Johnson Presenter Moapa Valley Performing Arts Council, Logandale NV

The performance you gave on Monday evening here in Logandale at the High School was the greatest and displayed the most talent our valley has ever seen. We can only thank you by having you return in the future so those who didn't get to see and hear can enjoy. These are just a few of the comments from the evaluation form that we had passed out. "Have them back again, They were really GOOD. could have stayed all night, Fantastic, Loved it, I liked that the youth got involved, on my paper I am putting a 16 plus (10 being excellent), great on every level. We as an Arts Council were so pleased and thank you very very much.

Doug Andrews Dean of Cultural Programs South Florida Community College

Thank you for another terrific performance. While they had been here four other times over the years, this may have been their best performance ever!

Dave Mosier Editor Van Wert Independent, Van Wert, OH

Those who weren’t there will regret that absence – perhaps for years.

Don Souder Presenter Lansdale Community Concerts, Lansdale, PA

The response to the Dallas Brass concert in Lansdale, PA was a tremendous success and rated as one of the best we ever had in our 61 year history. Michael Levine held the kids and the audience in the palm of his hand throughout the entire evening.

Joy Novota Presenter Live! at the Civic

Wow and Double WOW!!! - I don't even know what better word can be used to describe the concert that kicked off our season at the Helena Civic Center. It was truly an amazing evening!!

Bob Perry Presenter Corpus Christi Live, Corpus Christi, TX

Your performance was without a doubt, the highlight of our season.

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