Reimagined Holiday Carols to Warm and Cheer

MILWAUKEE - Oct. 24, 2019 - PRLog -- The sight of bundled-up shoppers scurrying through city streets, with horns intoning Christmas carols in the background, can fill us with nostalgia and anticipation for the holidays. The music reminds us it is time to bid "Good cheer!"  to friends and strangers.

With that, the School Sisters of St. Francis invite all to the Milwaukee Festival Brass' (MFB) December 6 performance of "Holiday in Brass" at 7 p.m. in St. Joseph Center (1501 S. Layton Blvd. or 27^th St. at Greenfield Ave. in Milwaukee).

Under the direction of Mark A. Taylor, DMA, the award-winning brass ensemble has prepared a program of favorite carols and holiday classics reimagined:  a jazzy interpretation of "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town; a haunting rendition of "Silent Night"; and a swing version of "The March of the Three Kings." Other familiar tunes like "The Christmas Song," "Greensleeves," and "Ding Dong Merrily on High" will also be featured.

"As a special treat, the band will preview its performance in the upcoming National Championships with its contest selection, 'A King's Lie,'" said Mr. Taylor, who leads the two dozen brass musicians and percussionists.

Founded in 1985, the MFB uses traditional British brass band instruments, and prides itself on playing classic and contemporary repertoire with a unique flair. The nationally recognized ensemble also mentors young brass and percussion musicians while ensuring high-caliber musical offerings. Among the members are talented performers of B-flat cornets, flugelhorns, E-flat horns (also called alto horns), trombones, baritones, euphoniums, tubas, and percussion.

According to the MFB, "Brass banding has a long and storied tradition in Europe, originating in Great Britain and continuing to this day. Bands compete vigorously; contest results are followed online and in band magazines with the same enthusiasm as major league baseball is here in the U.S."

Christmas carols are perfectly suited to the brightness and mellowness of brass. This outstanding musical experience will surely warm and cheer us on a frosty Friday evening. Tickets for "Holiday in Brass" are just $15. Send cash or checks written to:  School Sisters of St. Francis Outreach Events; c/o Donna O'Loughlin; 1501 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53215. Contact:  doloughlin@sssf.org or 414-385-5272. Ample free parking is available at St. Joseph Center lot at 29^th St. and Orchard St. https://www.sssf.org.