History and Mission
Artisans in Brass is an ensemble of Christian professionals who desire to use their talents to exalt Jesus Christ through the performance of the finest brass literature. Members are located across the United States and gather periodically to rehearse, perform, present master classes, and record. The quintet's history dates to 2001 when George Dougherty first contacted Rick Nichols about assembling a group of like-minded brass players to explore and create sacred and classic repertoire. Phil Golson was the next to join the team, with Mike Jarrett and Mark Cochran rounding out the original group. Along the way, the late Robert Nagel, Jeremy Kolwinska, Don Zegel, Fred Powell, Dave Brown and Corey Dawson have also contributed their talents.
Since their first gathering in the summer of 2002, AiB has performed sacred concerts for churches throughout the US, collaborated in concert with choral societies and symphony orchestras, and presented traditional recital programs for colleges. The ensemble's repertoire features a combination of sacred and classic music that spans more than five centuries. Group members have delighted in creating arrangements of hymns and transcriptions of popular classics, fitting these beloved songs with new harmonies, meters, form and material that shine in settings for brass. Plans are underway for more concerts and recitals in the US, a European tour, and additional recording projects.