Low Brass ensemble to polka up at Oktoberfest

Fall is here and Oktoberfest is right around the corner. Oktoberfest will feature German food, beer and polka music performed by the USD Low Brass studio.

The ensemble is set to play at Vermillion’s Oktoberfest to celebrate German culture at the Platz downtown this Saturday at 5:00 p.m. The festival is a change of pace for the musicians as most of their Saturdays are spent marching in the DakotaDome.

The section features nine brass members including two trombones, two euphoniums, three bass trombones and two tubas. The musicians said they enjoy the atmosphere at Oktoberfest.

“The best part about playing at events like Oktoberfest is that usually, the music is more exciting for us as low brass players,” Dusty Wright, trombonist for the ensemble, said. “We also get to play a different style of people at football games, we’re more centered towards playing [for] sports fans.”

The ensemble plays a selection of polka arrangements like Clarinet Polka, an Austrian polka featuring a bouncy melody, sure to get people on their feet.

“I would have to say the best part about playing at events like Oktoberfest is that it’s just really cool to get out into the community and show off what we do,” Kelsey Derrick, tubist said.

Playing at events like Oktoberfest gives exposure to not only the Low Brass ensemble, but the entirety of The Sound of USD. As the foundation of the band, the Low Brass likes to bring out the bottom notes in their songs.

“[Our section has] that warmest sound in the band. We also get the most fun parts to play,” Lukas Stoebner, bass trombonist, said.

Under the direction of Professor Todd Cranson, the Low Brass ensemble is a tight-knit group. The musicians bond over their love of bringing music to their fans, Sean Fenega, a bass trombonist, said.

Though practice makes perfect, Wright said the section likes to have fun at rehearsals. 

“My favorite part about playing in the Low Brass Ensemble is all the bad puns and jokes we make during rehearsal,” Wright said.