Two brass ensembles that will perform at #VBF2021 each specialize in a specific instrument. Twin Cities Trumpet Ensemble produces a wall-of-sound made by 24 trumpets. The Above Average Tuba Quartet consists of tubas, the lowest of the low-brass instruments. Both groups will provide maximum listening entertainment.

ABOVE AVERAGE TUBA QUARTET

The Above Average Tuba Quartet was formed in 2013 by members of the Lake Wobegon^© Brass Band and is making its Vintage Band Festival debut. Leader Roger Gomoll noted that tubas and euphoniums are related instruments. The euphonium is considered to be a “tenor tuba” and plays an octave higher than the larger bass tuba and double bass tuba. He also said, “Tubists and euphoniumists tend to gather in larger groups around Christmastime, when as many as 100 or more festively dressed players perform Christmas carols as part of the nationally organized Tuba Christmas concerts. It’s been said but not verified that the U.S. Geological Survey office tracks the frequency and location of these concerts with their seismic instruments.”

Above Average Tuba Quartet

The Above Average Tuba Quartet performs at 9:30 a.m. on July 31 at Bridge Square, Downtown Northfield.

TWIN CITIES TRUMPET ENSEMBLE

The Twin Cities Trumpet Ensemble is the only regularly performing, 24-trumpet musical ensemble in the United States. It boasts a vast repertoire, ranging from the Renaissance to the present, and exemplifies the transformative power of music through the performance of music written or arranged for three or more trumpets. It has performed numerous concerts in the tri-state area, including performances at Como Lakeside Pavilion in St. Paul, the Lake Harriet Band Shell in Minneapolis, and several churches. Led by James Olcott, the Twin Cities Trumpet Ensemble has performed at Vintage Band Festival several times.

Twin Cities Trumpet Ensemble

Twin Cities Trumpet Ensemble performs at 12:30 p.m. on July 31 at Bridge Square, Downtown Northfield.