SWAU Brass Ensemble Brings Holiday Cheer in Unique Way

On December 16, 2021, Southwestern Adventist University’s Southwestern Brass Ensemble wrapped the fall semester by bringing musical holiday cheer to the Johnson County community. The ensemble shared a variety of holiday music through a series of visits to area businesses.

Through the morning and early afternoon, the brass ensemble performed seven separate mini concerts. They traveled by van to Keene, Cleburne, Joshua, and Burleson and played in such places as Pinnacle Bank branches, the sheriff's department, HEB Market, Cleburne Eye Clinic, and Tractor Supply. Their "blitzen-tour" ended at Burleson Brunch House Restaurant, where they entertained diners, and were then treated to lunch. 

Southwestern Brass Ensemble consists of seven students and one alum. The students represent a variety of majors and areas of study. Steve Hubbard, SWAU's Brass Ensemble director, shares that they are all accomplished players, and were each hand-picked for this musical group.

"Southwestern Brass Ensemble is one of the busiest musical groups at SWAU’s Department of Music. Just this year, they have performed at many churches, schools, the State History Museum in Austin, and twice at Camp Mabry, which is the State Military headquarters," shared Hubbard. "No matter when or where, the members of the ensemble are always excited to share music with audiences throughout the Southwest."

To view photos from the Christmas caroling experience, click here (https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjzvN65). For a video recap, click here. To learn more about the music department at SWAU, click here (https://swau.edu/music).