Atlanta Brassworks
Atlanta Brassworks is proud to be one of the oldest consistently performing brass quintets in the country! Members of this ensemble have extensive experience performing for audiences of all ages, and believe it is never too early to get young people excited about brass instruments and music. Don Strand, the leader, began designing and delivering educational brass quintet concerts in 1979 for young children to senior citizens. The programs designed and presented have evolved with each and every generation in order to provide engaging and relevant music and activities to connect with audiences of all ages. With decades of teaching experience, the members of Atlanta Brassworks have degrees in performance and/or education from New England Conservatory, Cleveland Institute, and Eastman School of Music, University of Texas, Baylor University, and University of Georgia. Music is a universal language that brings people together regardless of age, background, social standing, etc. Talent is helpful, but if you are motivated, determined, persistent, anyone can achieve a desired goal and will have a successful and fulfilling life. This group’s goal is to make music of all styles accessible and enjoyable to people of all ages while delivering an educational experience. Atlanta Brassworks hopes that each performance delivered communicates their values and sends a positive message to the community.
Teaching Qualifications:
Don Strand, the leader, began designing and delivering educational brass quintet concerts in 1979 for young children to senior citizens. With decades of teaching experience, the members of Atlanta Brassworks have degrees in performance and/or education from New England Conservatory, Cleveland Institute, and Eastman School of Music, University of Texas, Baylor University, and University of Georgia. Music is a universal language that brings people together regardless of age, background, social standing, etc. Talent is helpful, but if you are motivated, determined, persistent, and have the desire to achieve a goal, you will have a successful and fulfilling life. This group’s goal is to make music of all styles accessible and enjoyable to people of all ages while delivering an educational experience. Atlanta Brassworks hopes that each performance delivered communicates their values and sends a positive message to the community.
Social Media:
Facebook: Atlanta Brassworks
Primary Art Forms: Music
Distinctive Populations/Environments:
Arts & Early Learning, Seniors/Arts & Aging, Arts & Veterans, Arts & the Military, Arts & Persons with Disabilities, Arts in Rural Communities
Grade Levels: K-12 and undergraduate and graduate students
Core Content Curriculum Areas: Music
Specialized Content Areas:
Arts integration, STEAM, World Cultures
Exceptional Student Populations Familiar Working With:
At-Risk Students, Students with Disabilities, Gifted Students
Pre-Service Learning and Professional Development:
Professional Development for K12 Teachers
Program Experience:
Since 1979, Don Strand has been delivering teaching artist programs in multiple ways: thousands of brass quintet programs in schools (K-12), dozens in senior communities, over a hundred clinics (for middle and high for brass players), festivals/fairs within the community, recitals for the public, patriotic performances for community celebrations, and residences in different counties, such as the Arts Council in Gainesville, GA. In addition, Mr. Strand has tought extensively at universities and colleges along with his private studio. Several of his students have gone on to be part of important community ensembles such as the ASYO (Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra), Emory Orchestra, AYWS (Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony), MYSO (Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra), GYSO (Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Program Process:
Each program is carefully planned to connect, engage, and inform the age groups involved while taking into consideration the culture and background knowledge of the audience. Repertoire chosen is purposeful in order to provide core curriculum alignment while being entertaining. Students are challenged to problem solve instrument identification and the science behind them, compare and contrast melodies/artists, model and practice rhythms/melodies, review and be introduced to vocabulary, and collaborate to answer questions and create music. This type of process is intentionally done in order to not only align with the school’s music curriculum but to show how music is connected and found in every subject. Program delivery is differentiated for students by having visuals, multiple examples, hands-on opportunities, while leaving room for discussion among peers and the presenter. At the end of each performance, all audience members are encouraged to ask questions and the ensemble specifically asks listeners to provide feedback about the show. In addition, members of the quintet provide inside observations about the show to each other concerning the performance. With these insights, the program is constantly evolving and being updated to stay relevant and effective.
Booking information:
Please note the programs and lesson plans listed here are sample programs. For information about additional programs, or to ask about a custom-created program, please contact the artist.
Interested organizations can reach out to Don Strand via email or phone: 404-915-1480, tubadon@bellsouth.net
Sample Programs:
The Magic of Melody
Grades PreK-5, 25-500 students, 45-minute performance, one microphone and 5 chairs requested; Core Content: History, Science, Language Arts, Mathematics, STEAM
Designed to teach kids the definition, function, and significance of melody, The Magic of Melody Program uses famous melodies to engage students in an active performance of memorable themes found throughout America’s film history. Students can look forward to recognizing melodies from Jurassic Park, Rocky, and Disney musicals, such as Frozen, Encanto, Toy Story, Aladdin, and the Lion King while gaining a new appreciation and understanding of the word melody and its importance in music theory. In addition, students will learn the science behind brass instruments with a friendly game of “Who Can Be the Best Brass Buzzer”!
Fee Structure: $978.00 dollars for two 4-45 minutes programs in two hours; $1,458 for three 45-minute shows in three hours; for travel, $2.50 per mile (negotiable) outside the 20 County Metro Atlanta Area; Housing- 3 rooms for overnight stays
https://www.facebook.com/MGBarksdale/videos/307641979856611/
Kaleidoscopic: A Journey Through American Pop Music
Grades 6-12, 25-500 students, 45-minute performance, one microphone and 5 chairs requested; Core Content: History, Science, Language Arts, Mathematics, STEAM
Are you a music fanatic? Think you know all the pop music there is? Take a trip with Atlanta Brassworks as they travel through the decades of time to revisit some of America’s catchiest music. Starting with Scott Joplin’s ragtime, audiences will have to resist the urge to get up and dance as they experience how beats, rhythms, lyrics, and emotions can connect with large groups of people. With a variety of songs ranging from modern artists such as Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars to the previous decades of Jerry Lee Lewis and Cool and the Gang, students will find themselves leaving with a new appreciation for not only what pop music is, but how each generation influenced one another and led to the next genre.
Holiday Program:
Grades K-12, 25-500 students, 45-minute performance, one microphone and 5 chairs requested; Core Content: History, Science, Language Arts, Mathematics, STEAM
Celebrate, educate, and share the holidays, cultures, and traditions around the globe! Students will hear an eclectic selection of music ranging from holidays like Haunakah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas. They will enjoy this interactive performance that encourages community while also being entertaining. All participants will connect music to different cultures and the history behind them while growing in their musical knowledge and vocabulary. Composition genres range from the classical Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride to the jazzy Charlie Brown Christmas and the show tune Do You Want to Build a Snowman? Although very different sounding, these melodies will help build off classroom curriculum as they stretch across continents and challenge students to ask questions as they identify and learn about the brass family. This popular program is sure to bring audiences the holiday spirit!
Fee Structure: $978.00 dollars for two 4-45 minutes programs in two hours; $1,458 for three 45-minute shows in three hours; for travel, $2.50 per mile (negotiable) outside the 20 County Metro Atlanta Area; Housing- 3 rooms for overnight stay
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F8vENlkJm1jG8ImQuCIj2g0k1Z0AYDpdBRBHPhHQTqs/edit?usp=sharing
Jazz on Brass Program Description:
Grades 1-12, 25-500 students, 45-minute performance, one microphone and 5 chairs requested; Core Content: History, Science, Language Arts, Mathematics, STEAM
Jazz is America’s only homegrown art form, and the innovations of jazz musicians continue to influence music up to the present day. This show combines educational and performance elements to take students on a historical journey of how American Jazz began and has consistently been shaped and reshaped throughout the years. Starting with Scott Joplin’s ragtime in the late 1800’s to Herbie Hancock in the 1970’s with Fusion Jazz, where Rock and Jazz are combined to create ·a whole new genre. Students will have the opportunity to learn new vocabulary and/or reuse past knowledge. You will not want to miss out-on hearing famous music by W.C.Handy, Fats Waller, Cab Calloway, Glenn Miller, Dave Brubaker, and many more!
Fee Structure: $978.00 dollars for two 4-45 minutes programs in two hours; $1,458 for three 45 minute shows in three hours; for travel, $2.50 per mile (negotiable) outside the 20 County Metro Atlanta Area; Housing- 3 rooms for overnight stays
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yjENoyPqdRqnWgj9dMgL5D2Z7EPvHcZP/view?usp=sharing
Americana Program Description:
Grades 1-12, 25-500 students, 45-minute performance, one microphone and 5 chairs requested; Core Content: History, Science, Language Arts, Mathematics, STEAM
his show is a fast and furious look at American music! Students can expect a unique view of how history and culture influence and work together through the eyes of music. American music is a constantly evolving, diverse art form. From the folksongs of Steven Foster and Sousa marches, all the way to jazz, funk, and rock music, all performed by five virtuoso brass players. This show teaches students that American is a constantly evolving, diverse, art for
Geographic Availability:
Anywhere in Georgia
- Listing ID: 7120