For the second year in a row, the Star City Brass was asked back to perform again at St. Andrew’s Catholic church in Roanoke. Recently St. Andrews has been upgraded by the Catholic church to a Basilica. I’m not entirely sure what that means, but they will have more prominence due to the new designation. Star City Brass Quintet was happy to help them celebrate the Christmas season in this new phase for the church.

Along with this performance we’ve said hello and good-bye to group members. Tuba player Will Divers will be moving on to another quintet in the area. Will has helped us book some gigs with all of his contacts in the Roanoke Valley area, and has contributed several tunes to our repertoire. I’m sad to see Will go, but we wish him the best in his new endeavor and know he will continue to perform at a high level.

Also, Lori Wingo joined us for the first time at the St. Andrews gig on trumpet. Lori is a local music educator, and a fine musician.