October 19, 2021 – Millikin University’s Kirkland Fine Arts Center will welcome the Dallas Brass, featuring the Millikin Symphonic Wind Ensemble, on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, at 2 p. Tickets are $25-$35 or free with a Millikin student ID.
Since its founding in 1983 by Michael Levine, the Dallas Brass has become one of America’s foremost musical ensembles. The group has established a unique blend of traditional brass instruments with a full complement of drums and percussion, which creates a performing entity of extraordinary musical depth and breadth. The Dallas Brass repertoire includes classical masterpieces, Dixieland, swing, Broadway, Hollywood and patriotic music for the entire family.
According to Levine, “A Dallas Brass concert is intended for the entire family. Our ideal audience has a range in ages from five to 95. Our goal is to entertain and enrich by playing great music while showing our audience how much we enjoy what we do.”
In addition to their solo engagements, the Dallas Brass appears with symphony orchestras nationwide. Symphonic credits include the Cincinnati Pops conducted by Erich Kunzel, New York Pops conducted by Skitch Henderson and the Philly Pops conducted by Peter Nero. The Dallas Brass has performed at Carnegie Hall, the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and has toured overseas to Europe and the Far East. They have shared the stage with the late Bob Hope, have performed for Presidents Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush, have appeared on the CBS “Early Show,” and their music has been used numerous times on the television show, “The Young & The Restless.”
The ensemble has released seven recordings: “Debut,” “Dallas Brass II,” “A Merry Christmas with Brass,” “Windborne,” “Nutcracker,” “American Songbook” and “American Musical Journey.” The Dallas Brass has a strong dedication to working with young musicians, frequently going into public schools to present clinics and workshops for students of all ages.
The Millikin Symphonic Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Corey Seapy, offers an unparalleled experience in musicianship. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble has flourished in central Illinois and beyond, performing at state and regional conventions, and on tour in New York City and the Dominican Republic. Frequent guest conductors and soloists have visited Millikin to perform with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and recent collaborations include works with student dancers and choreographers from Millikin’s School of Theatre & Dance and a variety of video production personnel.
For more information about the concert, please visit here.
