The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass Ensemble Performs Sept. 15

August 23, 2023

August 23, 2023 - With roots in the renowned Marsalis family of New Orleans, The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass ensemble will perform in the Santa Fe College (SF) Master Artist Series at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in the Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall at the Northwest Campus, 3000 NW 83 Street, Gainesville.

Tickets are $15 for adults; $9 for seniors, students, military service members and children 12 and under; and free for SF students, faculty, and staff with college ID cards. Tickets are available from the Fine Arts Hall box office at 352-395-4181 or online from Showpass at showpass.com/the-rodney-marsalis-philadelphia-big-brass.

Born in New Orleans, Rodney Marsalis began his musical training at the age of six. When he was 11, he began taking classical trumpet lessons with his cousin, Wynton Marsalis. Rodney made his solo debut at the age of 15 with the New Orleans Symphony and went on to perform as a soloist with the Boston Pops Orchestra, San Diego Symphony and many other orchestras throughout the USA and Europe.

Referred to as a "trumpet prodigy," Rodney Marsalis was advised by family patriarch Ellis Marsalis to create a format that breaks the usual barriers between musical genres and aims to create connections between the audience and the performers. The result was The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass, a group that reflects the ethnic and gender diversity that is embedded in American culture. The ensemble is dedicated to reaching out to young people and inspiring them to reach for their dreams.

The SF Master Artist Series brings professional performers to campus to work with and mentor students in the music, dance and theatre departments. During their residency, Marsalis and the ensemble's members will conduct a master class for music students that will include a lecture and demonstration in the Fine Arts Hall.

"This is a group that we have long been trying to bring to the college, but because of COVID cancellations, we haven't been successful until now," explained Fine Arts Hall Manager Sarah White. "We are excited to finally have them join us to engage with our students and to perform for our community."

The performance by The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass is organized and sponsored by the Santa Fe College Fine and Performing Arts and Entertainment Media Department, now headed by Claire Orenduff following the retirement of Alora Haynes.

For more information about the ensemble, see rmpbb.com. For more information about the performance and the Master Artist Series, call Sarah White at 352-395-7343. For ticket information, call the SF Box Office at 352-395-4181.