The Eric Moe Brass Ensemble

Since moving to Spokane I have often dreamed of starting my own brass group. There are several big hurdles to this in my mind, money being chief among them. If I was to start a group of my own I'd want to be able to afford really good musicians and the rehearsal time it takes to be excellent. Having a place to play also costs money. Buying music costs money.

Then there is personnel. Spokane is not short on good brass players, but I know from playing with the Denver Brass that quality people are key. You want people who are invested in the group and want to contribute, who can take criticism, and personalities that are easy to work with. Among the musicians I know what would the right mix of people be?

These 2 hurdles, money and people, have been paralyzing to me and I haven't started my own brass group. Then 3 weeks ago I was asked to put together a brass group for a September 11 remembrance event. The problem of money was solved - I could deal with finding people.

That's how the Eric Moe Brass Ensemble was born. About the name - not my choice. That's what happens when you don't choose a name. I've thought of lots of names; how about River City Brass. I like it, but I think it's been used, and isn't Spokane the Lilac City? Lilac City Brass is too much flower for me. If I was a firefighter I'd start a brass quintet called Red Hot Brass. I thought about starting a group called Green Brass which has all sorts of hidden meanings. Raw brass turns green with age. Green means inexperienced too, or how about brass concerts with an environmental twist. Online concert programs, or a concert venue you bike or walk to.

So I began scrambling to get people and music together. I choose the conductor first, and then started filling out the brass players. It all came together and we played last night! It was thrilling to play in that setting again. There's nothing quite like the power a professional brass group can deliver, and sitting in the middle of it is one of my favorite places to be.