Faculty from the University of Wisconsin–Superior’s Music Department, in collaboration with colleagues from The College of St. Scholastica, recently completed a spring outreach tour of area schools.

The Twin Ports Brass Ensemble features UW–Superior’s Steven Siegel (director of bands and trumpet), senior lecturers Deb Rausch (horn) and David Leslie (trombone and bass trombone), along with Charlie Leibfried (trumpet) and Derek Bromme (trombone and tuba) from The College of St. Scholastica.

“I started this group upon arriving at UWS in fall 2021,” said Siegel, DMA, director of bands and trumpet. “Each year, we look forward to reaching out to K–12 schools in the Twin Ports community and beyond. We also enjoy performing recitals at UWS and CSS, as all members of the ensemble teach at one or both institutions.”

The group kicked off this year’s performance series at Thirsty Pagan Brewing in Superior, as part of Wisconsin Public Radio’s Pint-Size Concert Series. They then performed at several schools, including UW–Superior, Duluth East, Cloquet, Denfeld, Hermantown, and Proctor High Schools.

“Our ensemble hopes to inspire the next generation of musicians and promote music as a lifelong pursuit,” Siegel said. “Through educational outreach performances, we share high-quality music and spark conversations about the many ways to stay involved with music after high school — whether as a career or a lifelong hobby.”

The ensemble’s repertoire spans a wide range of musical styles, including film scores, Baroque fugues, jazz standards, and contemporary works. A recent program featured selections such as The Flight to Neverland from Hook, Je Me Souviens by Lara Fabian, Fly Me to the Moon, Quintet by Malcolm Arnold, Duel of the Fates from Star Wars, Vuelta del Fuego by Kevin McKee, and Cartoon Symphony.

While plans for next school year’s outreach tour are still being finalized, the Twin Ports Brass Ensemble is scheduled to perform on Thursday, August 21, at White Winter Winery in Iron River, Wisconsin, as part of a Wisconsin Public Radio event.