Coming up next in the Notes@9:
9:00 AM
Clarion Brass has been a major contributor to the St. Louis music scene since 1994, offering a wide variety of programming choices at unique venues. Manager Mary Weber heads the group and has been the driving force behind this great group of professional musicians.
Clarion Brass has been the featured Guest Artist with such local icons as the Alton Symphony, the Compton Heights Concert Band and the Crescendo Concert Series, and has played many Christ Church Cathedral Concert series. In addition, the group has played at the SIUE Summer Series three years in a row (2006-08) as well as the St. Charles Community College’s Concert Series.
The musicians who make up Clarion Brass are: Mary Weber and Jason Harris on Trumpets, Steve Hanrahan on French Horn, George Manning on Tenor Trombone, Wayne Coniglio on Bass Trombone/Bass, and Alan Shilling on percussion.
The group was featured at the Opening Festivities of “Taste for the Arts” in Hermann, MO, in 2007. Clarion Brass has played The Sheldon Concert Hall to sold out concerts for their Coffee Concert Series Christmas Program (2010 & 2011). They have been invited back this year to do a “Veterans Day Salute” in November 2011. In addition to the brass instruments of the quintet, Clarion Brass uses percussion whenever possible, adding a full drum kit to pots and pans whatever works!
Aside from performing great arrangements of the Big Band era, Marches, Light Classics and fun music for children’s demonstrations, the group also plays Baroque and Renaissance music with flair. Clarion Brass plays Weddings, Receptions, Holiday Concerts, Corporate Parties, Outdoor Events, Special Events, Graduations, Children’s Programs and Picnics … just about any type of program you can think of!
Ongoing music in Covid times:
At this time we have relaxed our COVID guidelines and are not requiring distancing. Mask wearing is optional. Continue to check the website as these recommendations may change depending on the community prevalence of health risk.
The mission of the Con Spirito Concert Series of the First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood is to strengthen the church’s mission to lift up the minds and hearts of people to God, to each other and to life in its totality. Seeking to attract a diverse audience, the musical events in the concert series feature high quality ensembles, composers, conductors and soloists from both the local and world-wide artistic communities. This music ministry enhances the experiences of both our congregation and the community through programming that best complement the excellent acoustics and aesthetic beauty of our diverse and wonderful facilities. The concert series continues the First Presbyterian Church tradition of outreach through musical offerings.
The Con Spirito Concert Committee was formed at First Presbyterian to strengthen the church’s mission to lift up the minds and hearts of people to God, to each other and to life in its totality. Seeking to attract a diverse audience, the musical events in the Concert Series feature high quality ensembles, composers, conductors and soloists from both the local and world-wide artistic communities.
Each year since its inception the Committee has worked diligently to follow this mission through yearly programs of main season concerts and recitals during Lent. In recent years we have also added the Notes@9 programs each Sunday in July. We strive to present a variety of musical experiences which, we hope, will be inviting for the members of our congregation and the community at large. Our series have included college and adult choirs, organ recitals, instrumental ensembles, handbell choirs, bluegrass and folk music groups, vocalists, instrumentalists, and our own Chancel Choir and Orchestra. Each year we also sponsor a children’s musical from the Imaginary Theatre Company.
This year we are adding a new series of French Fridays which will feature a light French-inspired repast followed by a program of French music, highlighting our wonderful Casavant organ. As you look through our calendar of events, we hope you will be inspired to join us often throughout the year as we celebrate our 20th season.
Bill Stein, Artistic Director
Cassandra Tessereau, Committee Chair
19 years of high-quality
musical outreach.
