The Chestnut Brass Company had a Mini-Residency at Western Illinois University as part of the 14th annual Brassfest on January 20, 2013. The day was filled with a variety of activities for the brass participants. The day began with a performance by the LaMoine Brass Quintet, the faculty quintet of WIU. Members were Bruce Briney and Barkey Bryant, trumpets; Randall Faust, horn; John Mindeman, trombone; and Terry Solomonson, tuba. Selections included works by Paul Peuerl, Claude Debussy and Enrique Crespo. Individual instrument masterclasses were given by the WIU brass faculty. Student brass quintets were then coached by the members of the Chestnut Brass. A buffet diner followed where WIU students and visiting prospective students could engage in conversation with the LaMoine Brass and the Chestnut Brass. The evening concert by the Chestnut Brass was titled "American Views" and featured Chase Sequence by James M. Stephenson and The Golden Section by Jim Parker. In addition to contempoary works on modern brass instruments, the CBC performed music from the Renaissnace, America in the 1830's and 1860's on period replicas or restored original brasses. New arrangements of American folksongs by Jay Krush began the concert and the closers were audience favorites by Irving Berlin and "Duke" Ellington.
Although Brassfest 14 at WIU was only a single day event- all involved had a great experience, fun in music making or listening, and many new friends were made.