K-State Brass Ensemble makes music in Greece

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Sources: Kristin Mortenson, 785-532-3832, komortenson@cox.net;
and Gary Mortenson, 785-532-3828, garym@k-state.edu
Note to editor: Kari Brooks is a graduate of Great Bend High School.
News release prepared by: Sara Shellenberger, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

K-STATE BRASS ENSEMBLE MAKES MUSIC IN GREECE

MANHATTAN -- The hills of Greece were recently alive with the sound of Kansas State University's Brass Ensemble.

The K-State ensemble was invited to attend the 2007 Exploring Brass in Greece workshop in Kalavrita, Greece. A total of 120 students from 11 U.S. and Greek university ensembles combined for seven days of instruction by the Millennium Brass Quintet and master's presentations by several faculty musicians, including K-State music professors Paul Hunt and Gary Mortenson.

"Exploring Brass in Greece brought together people from all over the United States and Greece and gave everyone a great appreciation for the power of music to cross cultural barriers and act as a positive force in the world today," Mortenson said.

In addition to nightly concerts in Kalavrita, K-State's Brass Ensemble performed in several other locations, including outside Athens in Marcopoulo and 1,700 meters above sea level in the snow at the Kalavrita Ski Center.

Despite their busy schedule, students found time to explore several historic Greek sites, including Ancient Olympia, the Theatre of Epidaurus and the sights of Athens.

The experience left its mark on all who attended, shaping individuals both personally and professionally, according to Mortenson.

"We all return to our respective homes better musicians and better people whose understanding of the larger world has been greatly enhanced," he said.

Students who participated in the trip include:

Adam Paxson, senior in applied music, Chetopa, French horn; Cody Wheeler; junior in music education, Clearwater, trombone; Zack Corpus, senior in music education, Dodge City, tuba; Becki Ronen, freshman in applied music, Hutchinson, trumpet.

From Manhattan: Darren Brooks, graduate student in music, trumpet; Kari Brooks, senior in applied music, trumpet; Andy Feyes, graduate student in music, trumpet; Ed Stein, graduate student in music, euphonium; and Sharyn Worcester; graduate student in music, French horn.

Anna Eaverson, senior in music education, Olathe, French horn.

From out-of-state: Elisa Adkison, graduate student in music, Platte City, Mo., trombone; and Lauren Bird, freshman in applied music, Lincoln, Neb., trumpet.