The Heartland Brass Quintet has generously agreed to perform in place of pianist, Tatiana Tessman, at 2 p.m. on Oct. 23, at the Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery in Lindsborg. The quintet is composed of musicians Isaac Hopkins, trumpet; Kyle Unruh, trumpet; Kyle Hopkins, french horn; Rob Tierney, trombone; and Adam Keller, tuba. They will be performing works by Giuseppe Verdi, John Philip Sousa, John Cheetham, Edward Elgar, and others.
Isaac Hopkins holds a music degree from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music. He is currently a member of the Wichita Grand Opera and the Salina Symphony Orchestra. He is an adjunct instructor of music at McPherson College, Tabor College and Central Christian College. In 2014, Hopkins won the Baldwin Wallace Concerto Competition. He is a frequent soloist with many area groups, including the Lindsborg Community Band.
Kyle Unruh is director of bands at McPherson High School. This includes leading the concert and jazz bands, as well as marching and pep bands. Unruh studied music education at Bethel College and went on to receive a master’s degree in trumpet performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance.
Kyle Hopkins is an associate professor of music and director of bands at McPherson College. During his tenure, the program has experienced unprecedented growth and success. As a performer, Hopkins has played French horn with a wide range of groups such as Manheim Steamroller, Celtic Women, and the Wichita Grand Opera. He performs regularly with the Salina Symphony as principal horn.
Rob Tierney holds a master’s degree from the prestigious New England Conservatory in trombone performance. He has been a featured guest soloist with the Newton Mid-Kansas Symphony and played with many professional orchestras. After a successful career as a band director he now serves as pastoral assistant and music director for St. Mary Catholic Church in Newton.
Adam Keller is currently director of bands for the Smoky Valley School District. He graduated from Wichita State University in 2008. While at WSU he studied tuba and has performed throughout the region. Upon graduation, he served as director of bands for Riley County, then returned to teach at USD 259 in Wichita. He taught band and orchestra in 7 elementary schools, 6 middle schools and at Wichita Heights High School.
The Sandzén Gallery is located at 401 North First Street in Lindsborg. The concert begins at 2 p.m., as do many subsequent concerts in this year’s Chamber Music Series. There is no charge for admission, however, donations are appreciated. For further information, call the Gallery at 785-227-2220 or email fineart@sandzen.org.