Scott Agster

09.14.08 | Davina and the Vagabonds win the Road to Memphis Competition!
On September 14th, I was fortunate to participate with Davina and the Vagabonds in the Road to Memphis Competition at the Minnesota Music Cafe. Davina was picked as the winner of the larger band competition and will be traveling to Memphis to compete in the international blues competition. This will take place during the first week of February. Wish us luck as we travel to represent blues from the Twin Cities area!

http://www.twincitiesblues.com/2008/09/road-to-memphis-winners/

04.15.08 | Scott Agster and Adam Rossmiller Perform a Double Concerto with Wind Ensemble
On April 15th, 2008 (7:30pm), Scott Agster and Adam Rossmiller participated as soloists in a world premiere performance of the third movement of Providence by Jeffrey Brooks. They will be accompanied by the University of Minnesota Wind Ensemble under the direction of Craig Kirchhoff.

Providence (2008)
Double Concerto for Trumpet and Trombone Movement III
Adam Rossmiller, Trumpet
Scott Agster, Trombone
(World Premiere)

Jeffrey Brooks was born in Minneapolis and began studying music at an early age, eventually studying at Tanglewood and Yale University where he earned a Master's and Doctorate in composition. His teachers include Louis Andriessen, Martin Bresnick, Jacob Druckman, and Allen Forte. Brooks' compositions have been performed extensively, and he has received numerous grants and commissions. He currently lives in Minneapolis where he composes music, takes care of his two small children, and is learning to repair his 100-year-old house.

Commissioned by Craig Kirchhoff, Providence is a double concerto for trumpet and trombone dealing with the issues of human struggle and perseverance. Brooks defines providence as a divine guidance or care; the power sustaining human destiny. The first two movements of this work deal with the turmoil and strife in life and this performance of the third movement shows the happy ending Brooks envisions providence will provide.

03.30.08 | Scott Agster joins the Century Brass Quintet
Century Brass can expand from a brass quintet to a brass band that recreates the wonderful musical wealth of 19th century brass band for the edification and amusement of the modern audience. The group ranges in size from as few as five brass players to as many as ten brass and three percussion players.

Brass bands have been important in Minnesota since the 1850s. The Great Western Band of St. Paul was active in Minnesota as early as 1858. Another early brass band was the St. Anthony band which in 1853 played for the grand opening of the suspension bridge over the Mississippi in St. Anthony. In 1861, the Red Wing brass band played as they sent Civil War volunteers to Fort Snelling--when those volunteers arrived, they were greeted by the Great Western Band of St. Paul.

The Century Brass Band can provide live music to accompany 19th Century dances such as waltzes, polkas, schottisches, quick-steps, reels, quadrilles, and other dance styles popular in the 19th century.

03.02.08 | Snowblind Performs at the Winter Jazz Festival
On March 2, 2008, (1:00pm) Snowblind will perform at the Winter Jazz Festival in the new MacPhail Music Building. Host Kelly Rossum has provided us with a wonderful venue to share our music with the Twin Cities. We are excited about premiering new compositions in our medium. Come out and support live music in the Twin Cities.

02.22.08 | Jack Brass Releases "Traditionally Speaking"
On February 22nd, 2008 Jack Brass released "Traditionally Speaking," at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, MN.

Our new CD, "Traditionally Speaking" is now available for purchase (www.jackbrassband.com, CD Baby, and locally at the Electric Fetus). Recorded in January 2007, it features traditional material - special guest vocalist James "12" Andrews, from New Orleans - and liner notes from the director of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. The disc has already gotten airplay on WWOZ radio in New Orleans, as well as KBEM radio locally. More details on reviews, airplay, etc as it comes in.

07.05.07 | Jack Brass Performs at the Durham Brass Festival
Jack Brass Band has been invited as an American participant in the Durham Brass Festival. This tour to England will include several performances around the city as well as masterclasses and other festival appearances. This will be a fantastic opportunity to bring our version of the New Orleans Brass Band to European audiences.

The following is our billing in the festival bulletin:

See this American ensemble perform their energetic and vibrant New Orleans style jazz. This performance follows a series of workshops with young people across County Durham.

Monday, 9/7/2007 20:00.
Elvet Methodist Church
£10.50/£5.50 conc

The following link has some pictures of a festival performance as well as a video clip of one of our traditional pieces:

http://thumbrella.blogspot.com/2007/07/which-one-is-jack.html

06.30.07 | Jack Brass Pre-Releases "Traditionally Speaking"
Jack Brass Band has just released a pre-run of it's newest album "Traditionally Speaking." This album features traditional songs and spirituals from New Orleans in a Brass Band style. The pre-run was released in time for the band's tour to England for the Durham Brass Festival.