About the Band
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The Lancaster British Brass Band was founded in 2004 by Paul Belser, Walter Blackburn and Rick Staherski, three well-known Lancaster, Pennsylvania, musicians. They saw the need for and the potential of a highly professional musical ensemble of this type for the region. A roster of first-rank professional brass and percussion players from a four state region was drawn up, music chosen, and a concert schedule with appropriate rehearsals established. The premier concert was given on April 30, 2005, in downtown Lancaster at the historic First Presbyterian Church to an enthusiastic and overflowing crowd. Now beginning its third season, the band continues to draw large and enthusiastic audiences, continuing the brass band tradition which began over a century and a half ago in the British Isles. The
Lancaster British Brass Band consists of 28 players including 3
percussionists. It draws its personnel from the four state
region of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey.
Originally conceived as a top-level, professional quality
ensemble, it includes among its membership professional solo and
ensemble players and music teacher/performers. The band members
bring years of playing and teaching experience to the
organization from such diverse institutions as The Philadelphia
Orchestra, The United States Marine Band, the Lancaster,
Harrisburg, Reading and York Symphony Orchestras, and
L’Orchestra del Maggio Musicale of Florence, Italy. Many Players
are currently engaged as teachers in various public and private
school venues and in such institutions of higher learning as
West Chester and Millersville Universities, Lebanon Valley
College, The University of Delaware and Towson University. |
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