Classic Brass' coming to Lyons

'Classic Brass' will kick off the Lenten Concert Series 2000 on Sunday, March 12 at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Lyons.

'Classic Brass' was formed in the summer of 1996 when a previous quintet disbanded after six years. The ensemble is an outgrowth of more than 25 years of playing brass quintet music for public performances.

Robert W. Howard, trumpet, has taught instrumental music for the Penfield Schools since 1997. There, he teaches lessons and is the Middle School Band Director. He lives in Pittsford with his wife and two sons. He received his degrees from Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and the University of Michigan. He is a former member of the Harrisburg, PA Symphony, the Altoona (PA) Symphony and the Faculty Brass Quintet of Pennsylvania State University. He currently performs with 'Classic Brass' and the Greater Rochester Music Educators Wind Ensemble.

Nancy Sutfin, trumpet, has taught instrumental music for the Honeoye Falls-Lima Central Schools for the past six years. She lives in Pittsford with her husband and two golden retrievers. She studied at Pennsylvania State University and received her degrees from Ithaca College and the Eastman School of Music. She currently performs with the Canal Town Brass Quintet, the Greater Rochester Music Educators Wind Ensemble, the Perinton Concert Band and the Honeoye Falls Big Band. She has performed with the Elmira Symphony, the Altoona Symphony, Busch Gardens Entertainment and the Pennsylvania State University Faculty Brass Quintet.

Cynthia J. Smith, horn player of the ensemble, is a native of Seneca Falls. She has been in education for the past 24 years. She now lives in Lyons and is currently in her 22nd year of teaching instrumental music for the North Rose-Wolcott Schools. She received her undergraduate degree from the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam. Smith has done graduate work at both SUNY Brockport and SUNY Potsdam. She has performed with numerous groups including Seneca Brass, Classical Brass, Coventry Woodwind, Fingerlakes Woodwind For Dancers Only, and many more.

John Trowbridge, trombone, has taught instrumental music for the Geneseo Schools for the past 13 of his 20 years in education. He and his family live in Honeoye. He received both his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the School of Music at Ithaca College. He currently performs with Classic Brass and the Jazzbones. Throughout his tenure as a public school teacher, he has also been active as a performer and guest clinician with area jazz and concert groups including Jack Zeal Big Band, Nick Sterio Big Band and others.

James Trowbridge, on the tuba, is in his eighth year of teaching instrumental music for the Midlakes Schools. He and his wife reside in Geneva. He received his undergraduate degree from Ithaca College and his graduate degree from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. He performs with Classic Brass and the Greater Rochester Music Educators Wind Ensemble. In the past, he performed with the FLCC Wind Ensemble and the Lafayette Faculty Brass Quintet.

While there is no admission charge to the concert, there will be a freewill offering to help offset expenses. The Lenten Concert Series is made possible in part by public funds from the State Council on the Arts' Decentralization Program which is administered in Wayne County by the Wayne County Council of the Arts. The First Presbyterian Church (946.4723) is located at 11 Queen Street at the corner of Broad.

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