Biography
Virtuosity, versatility, and variety are the hallmarks of the Millennium Brass, one of the most exciting new chamber ensembles to appear on the national concert scene in recent years. This ensemble has given concerts and clinics in Greece, Germany, Brazil, and Italy as well as the United States. Millennium Brass brings together five of America’s most acclaimed brass players: Vince DiMartino, trumpet; Richard Illman, trumpet; Lisa O. Bontrager, horn; Scott Hartman, trombone; and Marty Erickson, tuba. Each is recognized internationally as a leading virtuoso on their instrument, with dozens of solo and ensemble recordings to their names. With a repertoire that ranges from the standard classical brass quintets to ragtime to brass band to jazz and popular works, the Millennium Brass offers a variety of program options to fit any concert need.
Comfortable in jazz and pops styles as well as the classical idiom, the members of the Millennium Brass display a rare versatility in their playing. Collectively, they have performed as soloists and section members with many of America’s leading orchestras, including those in Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cincinnati, Baltimore, Minnesota, Rochester, St. Louis, and Washington. They have also appeared with many of the world’s leading popular stars, including Burt Bacharach, Pearl Bailey, Dave Brubeck, Ray Charles, The 5th Dimension, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Bob Hope, Henry Mancini, Chuck Mangione, Doc Severinsen, and Clark Terry.
Each member of the Millennium Brass is a nationally recognized and highly respected brass educator. They now hold or have held faculty appointments at some of the country’s most prestigious colleges and universities, including Yale University, Boston University, the Eastman School of Music, Indiana University, the University of Kentucky, Michigan State University, New England Conservatory, and Penn State University. The quintet offers a full range of innovative educational talks, workshops and programs in conjunction with concert performances, giving students of all ages the opportunity to interact with elite level musicians. With its unmatched musical excellence and dynamic program possibilities, the Millennium Brass is truly the ensemble for the new century.