Brass Flexibilities

In this episode of Brass Flexibilities we are joined by Mary Beth Orr, third horn with the Grand Rapids Symphony and folk-classical singer and recording artist combining the art of application folk singing with classical horn performance. We discuss the achievement of Mary's latest album, The Singing Horn, and her experiences as a performer and mother. We also touch on themes of loss, and how difficult it is to search for a peaceful equilibrium that life never quite affords. We hope you enjoy!

Dr. Alexander Sanso serves as Assistant Professor of Trumpet at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Sanso’s students have competed at the National Trumpet Competition, most recently in the Small Ensembles division performing Kevin McKee’s Dürrenhorn Passage. He previously held an adjunct instructor position at Bowling Green State University.

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Claude Arrieu's contributions to the trumpet repertoire encompass a diverse array of genres, including solo works, chamber music, and concerti; however, only Arrieu’s solo literature will be examined in this presentation. Her compositions for trumpet demonstrate a keen understanding of the instrument's capabilities, showcasing its agility, lyricism, and expressive range. Her works vary in length and difficulty but are reminiscent of other French composers of her time, most notably Eugene Bozza.

Claude Arrieu (1903–1990) is celebrated for her extensive output across various genres, including film scores, chamber music, and operas. Though her solo works for trumpet remain relatively unexplored, Arrieu's musical language embodies the spirit of neoclassicism, characterized by clarity, balance, and elegance. Her compositions often blend elements of jazz, folk music, and traditional French idioms, creating a unique and captivating sonic palette.

The significance of Arrieu's trumpet music lies in its ability to expand the trumpet repertoire while bridging the gap between classical tradition and contemporary innovation. Her compositions offer a fresh perspective on the trumpet's expressive potential by incorporating elements of French musical heritage with modern sensibilities. Furthermore, Arrieu's trumpet works provide valuable pedagogical resources for aspiring trumpet players, offering technical challenges alongside opportunities for artistic interpretation and expression.

Moreover, Arrieu's contributions to the trumpet repertoire serve as a testament to the diversity and richness of 20th-century French music. As we continue to explore and celebrate the vast tapestry of trumpet literature, it is essential to recognize and honor composers like Arrieu whose works have been neglected from the classical trumpet repertoire.

IWBC Interviews Samantha Lane

Samantha Lane is a dynamic leader in the global music industry, serving as Vice President of Brasswinds at Eastman Music Company. With over a decade of experience spanning sales, marketing, product development, and artist relations, Samantha has played an integral role in the growth of three renowned brasswind brands: S.E. Shires, Willson Music, and Eastman Brass.

Since joining S.E. Shires Co. in 2012, Samantha has contributed to its evolution into a global benchmark for craftsmanship and quality. She also helped integrate Willson Music into Eastman’s portfolio, preserving its Swiss heritage while expanding its reach. At Eastman Brass, she drives product development and marketing strategies tailored to musicians at every level, emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to elevating the brasswind community.

Samantha is passionate about mentoring the next generation of industry professionals. She revitalized the Artist and Rising Artist Programs, mentors young professionals through NAMM YP, the International Women’s Brass Conference, and NEC’s Entrepreneurial Musicianship Program, and serves on the board of United Sound, advocating inclusivity in music education.

An accomplished musician herself, Samantha holds a Master of Music from the New England Conservatory and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Connecticut. She combines her experience as a performer with her business acumen to offer valuable insights into thriving in the music industry. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending time with her family in Rhode Island.

IWBC interviews Ashley Roberts

Ashley Roberts is a freelance trombonist and educator. As an active performer, Ashley frequently plays with the Amarillo Symphony. Ashley has performed twice with the International Trombone Festival Women’s Choir, and performed at the International Trombone Festival, the International Women’s Brass Conference, the Big 12 Trombone Conference, the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, and Carnegie Hall. As an educator, she has also been a private trombone teacher for over a decade, educating students from Central Arkansas, the DFW area, and the Texas Panhandle.
Ashley is an activist for equality in the brass community, and has shown this through her work as the creator and host of the Redefining the Musician podcast, and the creation of the Denton Brass Collective – a brass ensemble that celebrated women brass musicians in the DFW area. She has also been involved in the International Women’s Brass Conference, as a competitor and finalist for the competitions, as well as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Festival. Her passion is making music accessible and fair for everyone.

She currently holds a position in the Amarillo Tourism office, interacting often with the members of the local arts community. Before her move to Amarillo, she worked with the Plano Symphony Orchestra.

Ashley holds a Master of Music in Trombone Performance from the University of North Texas, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Trombone Performance and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Central Arkansas. She resides in Amarillo, Texas with her fiancé, Ben Hahn.

IWBC Interviews Natalia Vela

Natalia Vela is a teacher and freelance performer based in East Lansing, Michigan. 

In this episode of Brass Flexibilities, we join the members of the 2025 all-women trumpet quintet from CU Boulder to discuss their historic first place win at the 2025 National Trumpet Competition. Come behind the scenes to learn about some of the preparation, collaboration, and impact this performance has made on the students of this ensemble, as well as the brass community at large.

IWBC Interviews Becky Pepper

Becky is a multifaceted musician, working as trombonist, teacher, educator and facilitator, arranger and transcriber, writer and critic and advocate for instrumental music education and performance.

An interview with Anne McNamara

Anne McNamara is the Associate Professor of Trumpet at Illinois State University where her duties involve teaching applied trumpet, performing in the ISU faculty brass quintet, and serving as the Associate Director of the School of Music. In addition to her duties at ISU, Dr. McNamara works regularly as a freelance trumpeter including recent performances with Athena Brass Band, Sinfonia de Camera, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Fountain City Brass Band,Heartland Festival Orchestra, Champaign-Urbana Symphony, Louisville Orchestra and Louisville Master Chorale. 

IWBC’s Brass Flexibilities Series highlights the innovative, creative projects our members are using to create modern music careers and honors the artistry and accomplishments of these talented individuals. 

https://myiwbc.org/brass-flexibilities/

An interview with Katie Franke, trombonist with the President's Own Marine Band