Minnesota Brass is pleased to announce a series of educational programs for the 2021 winter and spring seasons. We invite you to be a part of a variety of fun opportunities to socialize, learn, teach, or be entertained with us. It’s our goal to remain connected and continue to grow and learn during the 2021 winter quarantine experience.
These opportunities are sure to keep you interested and looking forward to the return of the marching arts activity. The 2021 programs will run from March-May. Here’s what we are offering:
We’re offering lessons for current and potential members who would like to increase their musical and/or performance skills. We are offering 30-minute virtual lessons at no cost to the student. Classes will be taught by talented MBI staff or alumni.
Join us to just chat, learn what’s new, and get current on what your MBI peeps have been up to. We’ll have a monthly chat group on any number of topics.
We invite you to join us for this fun series of conversations about the colorful history of Minnesota Brass and other regional drum corps activity. Our first event will be hosted by Jim Tarbox with guest Kurt Schiebel. Look for other MBI guests to join in upcoming conversations.
Stay tuned for more information!
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Andrew Angle – a huge personality in the Minnesota Marching Band community and longtime Minnesota Brass Visual Caption Head passed away unexpectedly over the weekend. He is survived by his wife Jessica, whom he met in MBI. Andrew was known as a passionate contributor to the marching arts community both nationally and in Minnesota as a teacher, designer, judge, and clinician.
Andrew had a huge impact on the visual program at MBI during his time with the corps. He was a meticulously driven teacher who pushed members to perform beyond where they thought that they could. In addition to his high school and DCI instruction, Andrew was instrumental in bringing the Minnesota Brass visual program to the upper echelon of the All-Age drum and bugle corps activity from 2008-2014. Andrew was a large contributor for the designs of the corps in that era as well and brought a higher level of accountability to the design team.
Andrew’s passion and commitment to excellence were well known, but he was also known for his sense of humor and gregarious personality that was very motivational for the Corps during his tenure. Andrew had a larger than life demeanor that carried him through everywhere that he worked. His impact at MBI and on the Minnesota Marching Arts community is immense.
As a professional and as our friend, we will miss Andrew . “For All We Know,”
Greg Guffey – a longtime teacher, designer and friend to Minnesota Brass, lost his brief battle with cancer peacefully this morning. He is survived by his wife Kim and children Evan and Nora. The memorials across Facebook speak to Greg’s contribution to the marching arts nationally and in Minnesota as a teacher, designer, judge, and clinician.
Greg met his wife Kim while working with the Madison Scouts and moved to Minnesota in the late 1990’s to work in marketing design. He began teaching with MBI in 2001 as a marching instructor and served on the design team as Visual Caption Head from 2003-2007.
Greg had a huge impact on our members during his time with the corps. He was a great teacher who pushed members to perform at their highest levels. He was a passionate motivator and leader during his time with MBI and many members speak of the huge impact that he had on them. Greg was diligent in bringing in a professional staff to work with Minnesota Brass and the corps improved greatly during his tenure. He was insistent that the design be at the highest level and yet, something that could be mastered by the members.
Greg was always kind and generous with those around him. He taught with professionalism and a giving heart. Greg became an integral part of the MBI Family and he will be missed by all who knew him. His impact here on the Minnesota Marching Arts is immeasurable.
As a professional and as our friend, Greg’s passing leaves us with a heavy heart. The words of our corps song “For All We Know,” certainly ring true today.
Remember Kim, Evan and Nora in your prayers. Donations are being received at:
Although later than years past, Minnesota Brass will host our annual meeting on December 3rd, 2020. We would like to thank all our membership for your patience as we handle the current climate of the marching arts world during this pandemic.
The meeting will be virtual this year, hosted via Zoom, and all Membership is welcome to attend. We hope many of you are able to join us with this new format!
Please see the attached meeting information.
Topic: Minnesota Brass 2020 Annual Meeting
Time: Dec 3, 2020 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Click on link below to Join Zoom Meeting, or dial in for audio only on any of the listed phone numbers.
At its recent meeting, Minnesota Brass’ Board of Directors nominated four candidates; Becci O’Kane, Chris Judd, Emily Ruetz, and Kaitlyn Barrett to become new members to the board.
As outlined in the bylaws of the organization, the boards’ nominations need to be ratified by a vote of the full membership.
Here is the timeline and process to be followed:
October 28 – The candidates will attend the board meeting and be available to any members interested in interacting with them.
November 1-8 – The ratification process will be conducted online, with details posted on the website and organization’s Facebook page. The online form will be open from 6:00am CST November 1st – 11:59pm CST November 8th for members to cast their vote.
Becci O’Kane has been involved with the Minnesota Brass since the early 2000’s. She was a part of the colorguard for 15 consecutive years, where she was captain from 2010 – 2017 . She was a part of the MBI Wintergaurd staff & on staff for MN Brass SoundSport. While her educational background is in Accounting, Finance, and Project & Business Management, being involved in the Arts is her passion. Becci is also involved in another arts non-profit called the Haunted Basement. She also is the Director of a high colorguard program. In her free time she loves to sleep and curl up on the couch with her dogs.
Chris Judd
Originally from San Antonio TX Chris Judd made his way to Minnesota to further his education by receiving a degree in Music Business and Composition from McNally Smith College of Music. Chris has been involved with drum corps and indoor percussion ensembles for over 15 + years. He is an alumni of Minnesota Brass Indoor and Jersey Surf. He spends his time educating and consulting music ensembles throughout the state of Minnesota such as River Valley Percussion Theater and Eastview High School. Chris spends his days in Sales working with Albrecht Sign, writing music and traveling. He drives to bring motivation, passion and innovative elements that contribute to the building blocks of music and performance.
Emily Ruetz
Emily has been involved with Minnesota Brass since 2014. She performed with the summer drum corps, SoundSport group, and the winter drumline from 2014-2016, and 2018-2019. She has taught the front ensemble at Irondale HS and MBI Indoor. Emily is the Programs Associate for the National States Geographic Information Council. She looks forward to learning more about and getting involved with the Board.
Kaitlyn Barrett
Kaitlyn Barrett began her career in the marching arts after joining the Osseo High School marching band in 2007. She competed with Osseo in both the summer marching band and winter color guard programs from 2007-2012. After graduating she performed with the Govenaires Drum and Bugle Corps from 2012-2014, as well as Eclipse Winter Guard in 2013. She has taught various places including Synergy Winter guard and Champlin Park High School. She became a member of the Minnesota Brass family after earning a spot In the MBI Winter Guard 2014 cast. She marched four seasons culminating as a captain of the 2017 MBIWG team as they became WGI Independent A Silver Medalists. She also marched 2015-2017 with the summer Drum Corps. She is currently the color guard director at Minnetonka high school. Minnetonka was awarded the AA class title of Best Color Guard in 2019. Kaitlyn is also a full time student triple majoring in Vocal Performance, Theatre, and Business Management. She brings with her a passion for excellence, a dedication to membership, and a heart for all things MBI.
