05 November 2015
Last Updated: 07 April 2016

 

(Portland, OR) November 2, 2015 - Steven Mead, one of the most successful euphonium musicians in the world, is making a special stop in Portland in November. Why, you may ask? He’s supporting local Salvation Army youth brass music programs. This “Brass Spectacular” weekend will include school visits, workshops and classes, and then culminate with a concert at The Old Church (1422 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97201) on November 15th, 2015 at 4pm. All funds raised will be utilized in The Salvation Army’s Portland Metro youth brass music programs. To sweeten the deal, The Salvation Army received a Matching Grant Challenge, in honor of the late Dr. John Keil Richards, affectionately known in Portland as “Mr. Tuba.” This means that all donations received will be doubled should $3,000 be raised!

Steven Mead will be joined on stage Sunday the 15th by Jamie Hood, a fellow Besson performing artist and accomplished trumpet player. He is also the Divisional Music and Worship Arts Director for The Salvation Army Cascade Division. Jamie has seen first-hand the impact music makes on lives:

“Learning to play a brass instrument has so many benefits. We learn discipline and teamwork. Learning music and learning to love music opens our creative thoughts. Many studies have shown the benefits in a child's education by exposing them to music.”

The Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse found that “students involved in courses beyond the required ‘basics’ were less likely to be involved with drugs. The study went on to show that ‘Secondary students who participated in Band or Orchestra reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances’ (Alcohol, Tobacco, Marijuana or any illicit drug)” (From Houston Chronicle, January 11, 1999).”

Also lending his support of local brass education and inspiration for youth in need will be David Fedderly, an accomplished tuba player and teacher (at Julliard, the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University and more). He will be conducting workshops and school visits.

The fact is that music matters, and this is why The Salvation Army continues to provide life-changing music programs to underprivileged youth, despite the cut-backs music education continues to experience.

Attend a workshop for $10 or join The Salvation Army at the “Brass Spectacular” Concert on November 15th, 2015. Admission is free but donations are welcome. Make a donation today: http://salar.my/brass  

For information regarding school visits, private lessons, the clinics or the concert please contact:

Jamie Hood at 971-271-3440
Jamie.hood@usw.salvationarmy.org

Brass Spectacular Weekend Schedule

Friday, November 13th
Both David Fedderly and Steven Mead will be teaching at various schools and also offering some private teaching at the Portland Tabernacle Corps.

Saturday, November 14th
A workshop will be held at Portland Tabernacle Corps (1712 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97232) for brass musicians young and old form 1pm-4pm. It is $10 to attend the workshop with these pros and no reservation is required.

Sunday, November 15th
Steven Mead will be at the Portland Tabernacle Corps in the morning for worship services, followed by the “Brass Spectacular” concert event with Jamie Hood at The Old Church (1422 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97201) in Portland at 4:00PM. Admission is FREE to the concert, but donations are welcome.