Athena Brass Band

Posted on 18. Jun, 2012 by Raquel in brass band, cornet, IWBC, News

2012 Athena Brass Band. Photo by Lisa Galvin.

I just got back from Kalamazoo, Michigan from the International Women’s Brass Conference (IWBC). It was held on the campus of Western Michigan University on June 6-10, 2012. It was a phenomenal event that featured many performances, masterclasses/clinics, and much socializing. I was there to perform with the Athena Brass Band, a traditional British Brass Band comprised of all women brass performers. We performed on Friday evening at a beautiful church with a great euphonium soloist from Japan, Mizuho Kojima.  I had fun playing soprano cornet with the band, I even had a little jazz solo on a piece, the “Incredible’s”, mucho fun!

Athena rehearsing at IWBC w/ Euph Soloist

Some highlights for me at the conference were the Monarch Brass Ensemble and a recital by Karin Bliznik. In particular, Karin’s recital was very inspiring, I now have a new favorite trumpet player and she’s still in her 20s!!! She is currently Associate Principal Trumpet in the Atlanta Symphony. Her performance with the Monarch Brass and recital had everyone talking, it was amazing! Here is her website, Karin Bliznik, check it out!

Monarch Brass @ IWBC 2012

A week later, the Athena BB convened once again to perform at the Gettysburg Festival in Gettysburg, PA. It was another fun event featuring a great performance and hang with great people. We rehearsed for 5.5 hours and then played the gig the next day at the Gettysburg College. The group is comprised of talented female brass players all committed to preparing and performing at a high level. I will really miss playing with this group, but hopefully we will get together again soon. The group’s leader is Laura Lineberger who organizes every detail and who also serves as the solo euphonium in the brass band. She is outstanding in every possible way and it is my honor to call her a friend! Here are some pics of the Athena Brass Band Adventure 2012!

Athena BB Rehearsal

Athena Solo Cornets and Soprano Cornet.