The Rodney Mack Big Brass is a group of some the most renowned brass players that showcase all over the world. They are known for their diverse group of players that set a goal of inspiring the world’s youth to follow their dreams in music.
“The Fine Arts Departments presents professional events per semester that are free and open to the public.” Dr Adeline Bethany, director of fine arts, said. The Rodney Mack Big Brass gave show was held in the Widener Center Lecture Hall, Friday, Sept. 18.
They showcased very diverse and heart pounding performances of “Overture from La Gazza Ladra,” “Irish Tune,” a traditional piece”Closer Walk,” “Finale from Fourth Symphony” and many more.
Rodney Mack, who is the founder of the Big Brass orchestra, began playing at the age of six in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. Mack attended the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and has worked under the wings of well-known conductors, such as Leonard Bernstein, Michel Tilson Thomas, James DePriest; but his biggest inspiration is his cousin Wynton Marsalis, who also is well-known brass player. Mack began his first tour here at Cabrini College.
“It is very special being here because this was the first place we played three years ago,” Rodney Mack said.
The Big Brass has played since then in various countries including France, Spain, Germany, Japan, Taiwan, Greece and Korea. Although Rodney Mack’s reputation as one of the best brass players may serve him well, it may be hard for students to show interest in music other than Top 40.
“The Big Brass gives a very varied show, which hopefully will raise interest in students,” Bethany said. Indeed the show did raise interest in some students that attended the show.
“I would like to see other performances that are similar to them, people who recreate music,” Kaitlyn Vent, Elementary Education, major said.
The Rodney Mack Big Brass showered Cabrini students with their Big Brass talent, humor, and inspiration to students and faculty who attended the show.
