BASS      TENOR       LEAD        BARI Len          Doug           Don          Terry Lang       Marwood      Craig        Crowe

BRASS is a big barbershop quartet. Each half of the quartet weighs exactly the same as the other half, and totals nearly one-half ton. The quartet is 268 years old and has 140 years of barbershop experience. The quartet is 24.5 feet tall. The collective girth of the quartet can only be estimated at somewhat more than twice their average height. On average, they sing baritone.

BRASS believes in trying to entertain audiences by including some light humor, comedy and song parodies in their performances. For a number of years, the quartet has been performing its hillbilly package, partially unaccompanied.

BRASS is busy. Over the last 5 years, they have given over 320 performances. They have sung on 16 Calgary Chapter shows and also have performed on 32 other chapters shows in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Montana. The 32 performances were for 16 different chapters and, therefore, include 16 return engagements. BRASS had performed at least once a month for seniors at hospitals, nursing homes and senior complexes.

For the past 6 years, BRASS has taken great satisfaction in presenting a "Music Club" class to students at a Calgary elementary school. The music program includes rounds, part-song singing, rhythm, line dancing and ukulele playing. The message is that music is fun. The quartet tries to nurture the children and help them feel good about themselves. The annual miracle is that the children nurture the quartet. BRASS also has enjoyed performing at several high schools and coaching high school choirs.

At the 2001 convention, BRASS was honored to be inducted into the "Evergreen District Hall of Fame" for their efforts in promoting singing in their area and in encouraging and coaching other choruses and quartets throughout the western provinces and states.

The present foursome had been together for 12 years. They immigrated to Calgary many years ago, one at a time, from Montreal, Ottawa, Leamington and Winnipeg. The original quartet was formed in 1982 from singers within the Stampede City Chorus. Over the years, the quartet has performed with 4 different basses and 2 different baritones. The name 'BRASS' replaces the original name "Bow River Authentic Singing Society" which some said was too long for show programs and MC introductions.

The quartet claims 13 children and 14 grandchildren. They have been married 5 times for 166 years and that is why their wives insists that they go out singing as often as possible.

For more information or bookings, contact Don Craig, ph: (403) 279-6732 or (403) 242-9486, e-mail: doncraig@shaw.ca

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