Pittsburg State University’s low brass studio performed a lighthearted concert Sunday night under director and music professor Dr. Jobey Wilson as they filled McCray Hall with the sounds of the tuba, trombone, and euphonium in “Octubafest.” The event featured 10 pieces that were perfomed by members of the low brass studio.
Those who attended responded positively to the performances, despite the smaller crowd size. Linda Aerning, a community member and frequent concertgoer, said she appreciated the opportunity to hear instruments that don’t often take such a spotlight.
“It’s not a thing you hear very often, just the tubas and those funkier sounding instruments,” Aerning said. “It was very pretty though.”
Although the turnout was small, the musicians took the stage, five of them wore costumes dressed as Charizard, two bananas, a pickle, and a pirate. There were chuckles and giggles from the audience.
The program had a range of instruments and combinations including the tuba, euphonium, trombone, and piano. Solo performances were played by Riley Cross, Peyton Winnett, and Dr. Jobey Wilson, all of whom played the tuba. This was Winnett’s first movement in his solo work, marking an important moment in his musical career and studies.
Wilson said the recital was a meaningful chance for both the students and audiences to celebrate the unique sounds and qualities of those instruments.
“There is nothing quite like getting to glorify the tuba and all the low brass instruments,” Wilson said. “This is a beautiful opportunity to show what the tuba can actually do.”
Wilson said that while the performance is the focus, it’s also a way to see how the players have improved.
“It’s nice to have this as a way to see how much each student has grown,” Wilson said.
The trombone section was featured early in the concert with “Liechtensteiner Polka,” composed by Edmund Kötscher, Rudi Lindt, and Robertson. The piece had an upbeat tempo and playful rhythm.
All 10 members of the group came together to perform the final three pieces of the evening while being directed by Wilson.