The St. James Concert Series is proud to present local artists, Lucky CuZn, a New Orleans style Brass Band comprised of Tuolumne County public school teachers and featuring a range of genres from traditional New Orleans Jazz to modern popular music.
The group of local musicians will perform on Sunday, March 11 at 3 p.m. at The Red Church, Sonora. Tickets are $15 for adults and $6 for students under 18.
Duncan McFarland, who plays trombone in this ensemble, grew up playing with school bands in Tuolumne County. He attended UC Davis for Computer Science as well as Music Theory and Composition, and now teaches eighth grade English. His musical experience includes jazz ensembles, brass quintets, British-style brass bands, orchestras, and pop groups.
Ian McVey has played the trombone for 19 years and has a love for New Orleans style jazz. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership and a Master’s Degree in Education from Chapman University. He and his wife are the founders of Foothill Leadership Academy, a public charter school that focuses on leadership and the arts.
Percussionist Tobin Denton has been playing for 40 years. After graduating from Sonora High School, he studied drum set at Musicians Institute of Technology in Hollywood. He is currently the owner and operator of Denton Restoration, the local band instrument repair shop. Tobin is also in his 17th year as percussion instructor at Sonora High School.
Ryan Rogers teaches classroom music and band at Sonora Elementary School. He received his musical training from CSU Fresno and the Army School of Music, JEB Little Creek VA. He served as a tuba player with the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson in Colorado.
Saxophonist Kyle Dooley has played in a variety of musical ensembles ranging from classical, jazz, and popular music. He attended CSU Fresno where he obtained his Bachelor’s in Music Education, as well as his teaching credential. He is currently in his sixth year as a music educator and his third year at Soulsbyville School.
John Hanson learned to play trumpet in the fourth grade. He took a musical break after high school and spent time as a certified forklift operator, dock foreman, congressional intern, and soldier among other occupations. He holds degrees in English and International Relations and has taught English, History, and Government at Sonora High School for the past 24 years.
Gordon Giedt has performed on woodwinds in the Motherlode for over 35 years. After retiring from teaching in the Big Oak Flat-Groveland School District, he continues his musical interests from Big Band to Gypsy Jazz, from Brass Band to Brazilian Choro.
This program will also feature selections performed by the 2018 recipients of the Sierra Music Scholarships.
Tickets are available at The Mountain Bookshop, by calling (209) 536-0825, or at the door.
