On Tuesday night the Rodney Marsalis Big Brass took the stage at the Music for All Summer Symposium.
The depth of their talent was astonishing, as each piece showed off each member’s unique skills. From a beatboxing Tuba to Rodney Marsalis’s breathtaking rendition of Harry James’s Concerto, the night filled with extraordinary performances that got the students off their feet for countless stand ovations.
As the night went on the I soon discovered that they were not just great musicians, but performers as well. The Big Brass Band seemed completely at home on the stage, bringing humor and personality to the pieces they played.
During the intermission, the students had a chance to personally speak with the members of the band and take pictures with them.
One of the most memorable moments was when Rodney went into the crowd to serenade one of the students while playing, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (Elvis Presley). This became even more memorable for me personally as I was trying to take a picture of the moment and didn’t realize I was in the path Rodney needed to retake the stage. This led to a comical chase back to the stage staircase.
Some of our Concert Band campers had the awesome experience to of performing on stage with the Rodney Marsalis Big Brass Band in front of over 1,700 other campers. I’m sure it was an experience they will not forget.
The night closed out with the band marching around the auditorium to the cheers of the crowd. If you went to the concert not knowing who Rodney Marsalis Big Brass was, you will surely never forget who they are now.
