By: Shawn Kennedy-Lee
Photos by: Kayla Thompson

The 20th Anniversary concert season for the Winona Brass Band continues on Sunday, December 15 at 7:00pm with their Christmas in Brass concert. The Christmas in Brass concert has been a tradition of the band for many years, and there is no better way to celebrate the season than by listening to your favorite carols played in the British brass band style. The band is comprised of 25 brass players and two percussionists from Winona and the surrounding area including Wisconsin and Iowa. They use some instruments that are not commonly seen in the United States including Eb soprano cornet, Eb alto horn, repiano cornet, and Eb tuba. Former local resident Shawn Kennedy-Lee can be heard on Eb alto horn.

Conductor Dr. Richard Lindner has selected a program filled with favorite holiday carols arranged for British brass band instrumentation. The program includes Christmas Triptych by the masterful James Curnow which presents the tunes of Joy to the World, Silent Night, and Angels We Have Heard on High. The program later follows with an arrangement of John Rutter’s Shepherd’s Pipe Carol, originally composed for choir and arranged for brass band by Peter Graham. Schneewalzer (Snow Waltz) and Go Tell It On The Mountain will also be heard.

All concerts are held at St. Cecilia Theater on the Winona Cotter campus. The entrance is at the grand staircase on 7th Street. Concerts are supported by a free will offering. The Winona Brass Band invites you to come to celebrate the season and the 20th anniversary of the band. Like us on Facebook for information on upcoming concerts.