Mr. Walp will lead the HBB in Richard Strauss’ Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare, Bruckner’s final motet, and the finale to Gustav Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony. John Parker, Houston Symphony Associate Principal Trumpet, will demonstrate his virtuosic talent in the Concerto for Trumpet by Oskar Boehme, newly arranged for the Houston Brass Band by Paul Wright. Rounding out the program will be Viennese favorites, including Pizzicato Polka, superbly arranged for brass band.

Houston Brass Band was formed in 2000 by several brass music enthusiasts, inspired by the British film Brassed Off, and was a casual ensemble. In 2006 HBB asked Robert Walp to coach the cornet section. Mr. Walp, Assistant Principal Trumpet of the Houston Symphony, worked with the cornets, then the entire ensemble. The group’s enthusiasm led to Mr. Walp becoming that Band’s first Music Director. Under Robert Walp’s expert direction, Houston Brass Band began a period of significant improvement, transforming it from a local community group to the professional-level organization you see and hear today.