Shenandoah Sound Names New Brass Caption Head

[Latrobe's Finest]

Help us welcome Bryce Owen to the Sound brass staff. He will serve as our brass caption head.

Bryce Owen is a composer and tubist who recently completed his Masters of Composition degree at George Mason University. He received his BA in tuba performance in 2009 at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. There, he studied tuba with Dr. William Petersen and composition with Dr. James Miley. At George Mason, Bryce has studied tuba with Professor Andrew Hitz, formerly of the Boston Brass, and composition with Professor Mark Camphouse and Dr. Jesse Guessford.

As a performer, Bryce has participated in numerous collegiate ensembles in both undergraduate and graduate school. In 2010, he joined Sunset Drive, the east coast touring band for performer Percy Sledge, and played trombone for his fall and spring tours. In addition to tuba, having proficiency in trombone, euphonium, and percussion has allowed Bryce to become a more flexible performer and has expanded his creative palette in terms of compositional inspiration.

As an educator, Bryce specializes in brass performance, music composition and arranging, and marching band technique. Bryce currently serves as an assistant director, brass instructor, and music arranger for the Osbourn Park High School Marching Band in Manassas, VA. He is also on staff as a brass and composition instructor for the Contemporary Music Center in Haymarket, VA and the Potomac Arts Academy in Fairfax, VA. Bryce believes that one of the most important aspects of teaching at any level is the ability to relate to the student, regardless of age or skill level, and to be able to provide the instruction that fits that particular student.

As a composer, Bryce draws influence from any form of music that simply "feels right", regardless of genre, style, historical period, or performance medium. Duke Ellington said it perfectly: "If it sounds good, it IS good." Bryce has written original works for wind band, sax quartet, solo performer and piano, tuba duet, and small chamber ensembles with varied instrumentation. Recently, Bryce had the honor of co-composing When Petals Fall, a new work for wind band and brass quintet premiered in May of 2013 by the Westfield High School Wind Symphony of Chantilly, VA. The three-movement work celebrates the 125th Tournament of Roses to be held in Pasadena, CA, in January of 2014, in which the Westfield High School Marching Bulldogs will be participating. In addition to his original works, Bryce has spent several years refining his arranging and orchestration skills by writing customized marching band shows and arrangements for brass ensemble and wind band.