9 - Interview with Raymond Mase: American Brass Quintet Albums of Civil War Brass Band Music

The Early American Brass Band Podcast

Episode 9 is our interview with Raymond Mase, professor of trumpet at the Juilliard School and former trumpet with The American Brass Quintet. In the episode we discuss how The American Brass Quintet came to record The Yankee Brass Band: Music from Mid-Nineteenth Century America (1981), A Storm in The Land: Music of the 26th N.C. Regimental Band, CSA (2002), and Cheer, Boys, Cheer!: Music of the 26th N.C. Regimental Band, CSA Volume 2 (2006). Raymond also tells us some stories about recording these albums, and offers his opinion on a variety of topics related to brass performance and professional chamber music.

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, and The 8th GM Regiment Band.

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Episode Structure:

• 0:00 - 3:30 - Introduction, YouTube exclusive content, Addressing Gettysburg, The Digital Digest - History Tunes

• 3:30 - 7:57 - Interview with Raymond Mase, musical background and early musical experiences

• 7:57 - 10:40 - Time and experiences at The New England Conservatory, interest in a wide variety of music

• 10:40 - 17:39 - Auditioning for The American Brass Quintet, playing in a professional chamber music ensemble, culture within The American Brass Quintet

• 17:39 - 23:55 - The Yankee Brass Band album origins, where the music came from, and instruments used

• 23:55 - 26:10 - Other thoughts about the Civil War Music albums, historical authenticity considerations

• 26:10 - 31:46 - Other players on the albums, considerations for the Moravian albums, recording process

• 31:46 - 37:17 - Stories about Bob Sheldon

• 37:17 - 40:57 - Raymond's Boston Eb cornet, other instruments on the albums

• 40:57 - 46:10 - Origins of the Moravian albums, recording, and instruments

• 46:10 - 51:44 - Concluding thoughts on the albums, American Brass Quintet, Ken Burns Civil War documentary soundtrack

• 51:44 - 1:07:14 - Thoughts on repertoire, difference between "performing to get gigs" and performing music that aligns with your mission, and general musical culture

• 1:07:14 - 1:08:58 - Where you can find Raymond, his music, and his arrangements

• 1:08:58 - 1:10:20 - YouTube and social media announcements, show notes, and how you can get in touch with us

• 1:10:20 - 1:11:30 - Featured Album: A Storm in The Land, The American Brass Quintet