The brass band consists of approximately 35 players on brass and percussion instruments. There are no woodwinds. All the music (except for the bass trombone) is written in treble clef, making the transition from one part to another easier for players. The repertoire is very flexible, consisting of original works, orchestral transcriptions, marches, Broadway show tunes, hymn tunes, and novelty numbers. Except for trombones, all instruments are conical in design, producing a mellow, rich sound that has a wide dynamic and coloristic variety. The two or three percussionists are sometimes called upon to play as many as twenty different instruments.
Brass bands date back to the early 19th century and the Industrial Revolution. Employers began to finance work bands to decrease the political activity with which the working class seemed pre-occupied during their leisure time, and the idea blossomed. Brass bands have become one of the world's most widespread forms of amateur musical performance. Today there are several hundred brass bands in North America and it is exciting to see the genre make a valuable and unique contribution to the rich musical heritage of America!
John Kincaid, Professor of Music at Western State College in Gunnison, CO, has long been an expert on brass bands in the world. While on sabbatical leave from his duties at WSC, he traveled to New Zealand and researched the brass bands of the South Pacific. He shared his enthusiasm and expertise with many brass players and founded what is now known as the Colorado Brass Band
After several years, several Denver area residents got together and decided to start a "local" brass band, which would rehearse on a regular basis. The first band was started in conjunction with the Denver Parks and Recreation Department and used borrowed "tenor" horns that were old and in terrible disrepair. After several months of struggling, the band decided to withdraw from the sponsorship of DP&RD and "go independent." In 1978 players were recruited from the Front Range and the band's name became "Rocky Mountain Brassworks," with Paul Curnow as the director.
In 1990 the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District was formed in the six county metro Denver area as a means to facilitate support for local arts groups. Rocky Mountain Brassworks receives financial support from the SCFD committees in Adams and Jefferson Counties.
Since 1991 the band has performed three times at the Colorado Music Educators convention in Colorado Springs, for the Lord Mayor of London and Princess Ann at a British Faire held in Denver, and World Youth Day opening Mass with Pope John Paul. RMBW has also been invited to play for the American School Band Directors Association National Convention in Boulder, the opening of Interstate 76 in Adams County, the installation of Archbishop Chaput at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Denver, the opening ceremonies for the International P.E.O. Sisterhood convention, and the National Anthem for the Colorado Rockies Major League Baseball club. In addition, the band has developed a strong working relationship with a number of local school districts and support their music programs with free performances.
The 2007-2008 season is the band's 29th year and it continues to grow and improve. If you are interested in joining the band or would like to support us, please contact us via e-mail and we will be in touch with you.
