Poway High musicians will join Presidio Brass on stage

May 22, 2014 10:51 AM PT

By Emily Sorensen

Over 70 Poway High School students will be joining the members of Presidio Brass on stage during a concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 31 at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts.

The San Diego-based group will be giving a music clinic to 76 members of the Poway High School Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony on Friday, May 30, where they will learn and rehearse the solo trumpet part of “The Green Hornet” with the band. The students will then join the group to perform the piece live during the concert.

The master class with the students was originally scheduled to be held on May 15, but was delayed due to the fires.

Presidio Brass’ concert, “Sounds of the Cinema,” will feature music from movies over the past 100 years, everything from classical and jazz, to the Star Wars theme and “Bohemian Rhapsody,” from Wayne’s World.

The group is made up of Timothy J. Tesh, on trumpet; Steve O’Connor, trumpet; Mike McCoy, French horn; Jeff Harrigan, trombone and Scott Sutherland, tuba.

The five members of Presidio Brass are no strangers to music education. When the group was formed about eight years ago, it was in response to the elimination of music programs in schools. “[Presidio Brass] provided access to students who had lost music programs,” said Tesh. Later on, the group began touring, often performing with local high school students. “We’ve maintained our educational ideals,” said Tesh.”

Presidio Brass has performed in 42 states, as well as in China and Canada. “We tour as far as we possibly can go,” said Tesh. “We just flew in from a show in New Jersey.”

While Sounds of the Cinema is the group’s normal touring show, they also perform Christmas shows, as well as a patriotic-themed show for around July 4, said Tesh. Presidio Brass is currently beginning work on developing a new traveling show, but it won’t be ready for debut for about two years.

Tickets for Presidio Brass are $28 adults, $13 for youth 18 and under with the purchase of an adult ticket. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, by calling 858-748-0505, or online at www.powayarts.org or