From just a flicker, within a matter of a few months the Texas Star Brass Band from Lewisville, Dallas is shining brightly!

Rehearsals only commenced towards the end of February this year, although they have now performed at a number of engagements.

Highly committed

At a recent guest artist recital at the University of North Texas College of Music directed by resident conductor Kristopher Quaale, Band President, Jonathan Kramer and Personnel Director Brian Davis announced their ambition to embrace the culture and heritage of the traditional British style brass band and develop it in one of the most important musical heartlands of America.

Partnership

This has resulted in the start of a ground breaking partnership with current Masters champion Tredegar Town Band, which they hope will lead to a long and mutually rewarding friendship and exchange of ideas and workshops.

Matthew and David Ruel of Bandmaster Ltd recently visited Lewisville and were immediately impressed with the rehearsal facilities and standard of playing.

Highly professional

Matthew told 4BR: "This is a very ambitious, highly professional organisation, which has a real desire to bring the British style brass band to forefront of music making in Texas and beyond. The band has a full and talented membership and we are delighted to be able to help begin a long term musical connection with Tredegar."

In return, Tredegar’s latest CD is now being listened to in the Dallas area and Texas Star Brass Band were pleased to see that the CD featured Gordon Langford's 'Men of Harlech' which the band are currently rehearsing for their summer engagement programme.

This is a very ambitious, highly professional organisation, which has a real desire to bring the British style brass band to forefront of music making in Texas and beyondMatthew Ruel

Export

Tredegar’s MD Ian Porthouse is also looking forward to exploring the Texas/Tredegar partnership further.

"This really is a ground breaking development. To make a link with such an ambitious organisation is very exciting. This goes to show that the British brass band is a musical export to be proud of and we will be working closely with Texas to ensure their long term success."

Musical partnership

At their most recent concert Texas Star Brass included an arrangement for euphonium of 'The Yellow Rose of Texas’ played by principal euphonium Brian Bowman, as well as Holst's ‘The Moorside Suite’, Philip Sparke's ‘The Year of the Dragon’ and the march ‘Knight Templar’.