Reviews

Testimonials

“A unique and talented quintet that is willing to take risks …”
~ International Trumpet Guild Journal

“High-flying virtuosic playing …”
~ International Trumpet Guild Journal

“The MSB plays with assuredness and fine tonal qualities… entertaining, enthusiastic, spirit-lifting.”
~ Audiophile Audition, December 2010

“A delightful, beautifully blended sound …”
~ The Reading Eagle — December 2015

“Mainstreet Brass is a fine group, and [they] present a wonderful selection of festive Christmas arrangements that will make even the stingiest of Scrooges crack a smile.”
~ American Record Guide — November/December 2010

“For a new entry [of Christmas brass music] to warrant your attention, it can’t realistically claim to be better than what’s already available. It has to be different. This one is different… don’t discount the Christmas—that is, the holiday spirit. It can be catching.”
~ George Chien, Fanfare — November/December 2010

“The performers were splendid. They are true musicians as well as crowd pleasers, with their witty commentary, talented transcribers, and fine ensemble playing.”
~ Bedford Gazette

“The (MSB) sound has a finely judged vocal quality … played with tender feeling, very atmospheric.”
~ Musicweb International

“There’s something for everyone in this enjoyable collection… Mainstreet Brass enters winningly into the spirit of the varied selections with exuberant fluency… This CD [By Request — MSR 1290] should please Mainstreet Brass’s many fans who often asked for recorded versions of the group’s repertoire, the impetus for the CD, as well as anyone who would enjoy hearing this attractive program played by an excellent, versatile ensemble. “
~ Robert Schulslaper, Fanfare — May/June 2009

“Mainstreet Brass is more than a concert. It is an experience for the audience as they engage the listener in their concert and make them part of the musical presentation. Each member is extremely talented and, together as an ensemble, perform with great energy, musicality and versatility, not to mention humor. Mainstreet Brass is a pleasure to have as regular performers of the Sanford Concert Series for many years to come …”
~ Lyn Schramm, Artistic Director, Sanford Concert Series, California, Md.

“A hearty bravo to them …”
~ The Horn Call, the official journal of the International Horn Society

“Mainstreet Brass presented a marvelously delightful concert as part of our Music Series. We have hosted numerous brass groups in our 25 year history, but MSB showed not only exquisite artistry, but their repertoire was unique and engaging to the large crowd. Quite a feat for a group that was presenting their first concert to a Michigan audience. They definitely deserve to be heard on the national scene …”
~ Melvin Rookus, former Director of Music, Nardin Park United Methodist Church, Farmington Hills, Mich.

“The music of Mainstreet Brass is more than a concert. It is a journey of emotion and imagination — a joyful experience for all … ”
~ Music of Note Concert Series Committee, United Church of Christ at Valley Forge, Wayne, Pa.

“Welcoming talent was an understatement for Sunday’s concert by the Mainstreet Brass! The audience was engaged, fed and left wanting to know when the next time would be with the group. Who could ask for anything more?”
~ The Rev. Dr. Albert Frank, formerly of the Moravian Music Foundation

“Mainstreet Brass produced a concert of such sonorous magnificence for New York City’s First Church. Not only were we delightfully astonished, we were enthralled by their sound. May God continue to bless their good work … ”
~ The Rev. Lynette Christian McRae, First Moravian Church, New York, N.Y.

“If you want an evening of music that both educates as well as entertains, that both takes you to the usual places of the instrumental repertoire as well as marvelous musical surprises, then spend a night listening to this group of musicians!”
~ John Binsfeld, First Friday Series, Christ Church, Philadelphia, Pa.

“The Mainstreet Brass Quintet was one of the most fun concerts St. Andrew’s has hosted in awhile. Their musical style was smooth and blended into a lovely ensemble, ranging from energetic to lyrical, luscious to bright … their music was always magical, balanced and alive. The quintet was absolutely engaging, humorous and warm. The audience was enthralled and totally taken in by this very special group.”
~ Libby Hillhouse, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, St. Johnsbury, Vt.

“Works ranging from the Baroque to present day were introduced in such a manner that the Mainstreet Brass had the audience almost eating out of their hands …”
~ Alan Danson, London-based composer who has conducted the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and worked as an arranger for the British Broadcasting Corp.

“Mainstreet Brass … captivating …”
~ The Newport Daily Express, Newport, Vt.

“Mainstreet Brass is a well-knit, finely blended ensemble …”
~ The American Organist Magazine

“What a wonderful day St. Mark’s. Our morning service and afternoon concert were truly events we will long remember. A wonderful group of musicians (and people too!). We look forward to having them return.”
~ Jim McKimm, Concert Series Coordinator, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Newport, Vt.

“Old First Congregational Church and the surrounding community enjoyed a superb performance by Mainstreet Brass Quintet from the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania on their first tour of Vermont on September 15, 2005.Playing a variety of tunes — Palestrina and Bach, 19th-century Italian, Czech and Russian, American spirituals, jazz, and popular, including ‘Moonlight in Vermont’ — their finely-performed repertoire was a refreshing gift. It was thrilling to hear a group whose members enjoy both each other and the audience, and I wouldn’t hesitate to invite them back to Bennington on any future tour.”
~ The Rev. Scott Barton, Pastor, Old First Congregational Church, Bennington, Vt.

“Moonlight in Vermont casts a special glow as this Pennsylvania-based quintet’s tribute to classical and big band numbers …”
~ Seven Days, Vermont’s alternative Web weekly

“On this rainy afternoon, the ensemble immediately filled the cozy church with mellow warmth …”
~ The Times, Trenton, N.J.

“The foremost brass ensemble in the area …”
~ The Morning Call, Allentown, Pa.

“We enjoyed Mainstreet Brass immensely. They owned the stage from beginning to end, presenting a concert full of variety and surprises. Their talent, extensive repertoire, onstage energy and humor combined to make a lovely performance.”
~ Kara Linn, Music Director, North Avenue Alliance Church, Burlington, Vt.

“One of the area’s most visible and popular chamber ensembles …”
~ The Morning Call

“The Mainstreet Brass put on a stirring performance …”
~ The Express-Times, Easton, Pa.

“The group is as much at home with a Bach fugue as it is playing the blues of Fats Waller … ”
~ The Morning Call

“The concert that the Mainstreet Brass gave here was truly outstanding. The expertise of the individual players was obvious, each having a personality of his own, and yet blending together with remarkable cohesion …”
~ Dr. John Weaver, Music Director Emeritus, Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, New York, N.Y.

“I have worked with the Mainstreet Brass for many years, and I’m always delighted to have this talented group in worship settings and as part of concerts presented by the Pennsbury Community Chorus. Each member of the quintet is a consummate professional and a delight to work with …”
~ James D. Moyer, former Artistic Director, Pennsbury Community Chorus

“The members are good, solid musicians and performers and have formed themselves into an admirable ensemble. The group has an extensive repertory of arrangements and original music from a variety of styles and historical periods. I have found them gratifying to work with in important celebratory services in the Muhlenberg Chapel. Not only are they an exciting performing group, they are pleasant and cooperative to work with …”
~ Charles S. McClain, Professor Emeritus, Muhlenberg College Music Department, Allentown, Pa.