Rubato the Rattlesnake

For brass quintet with narrator. This 30 minute musical story follows a young rattlesnake on a quest to find his rattle in the Sonoran Desert. Features arrangements of many beloved classics including Peer Gynt, Carmen, Finlandia, Soldier’s Tale, Night on Bald Mountain, Flight of the Bumblebee, Danse Macabre, and Betsy’s own Western Suite.  Includes a slideshow with images that can be projected during the performance.  Best for ages 2-10.

Sailing the High Seas

For theatrical brass quintet.  Most ensembles perform this with the musicians playing character roles, but it could also be performed with actors playing the roles.  There is an alternate version of this show for brass quintet plus narrator as well.  This 30 minute musical story follows the royal siblings of Caffeinia as they sail on a ship to deliver coffee beans to the faraway land of Esconia, encountering pirates from Decaffeinia along the way! Includes arrangements of Holst 2nd Suite, Scheidt, Rossini, Ride of the Valkyries, and Entrance of the Gladiators.   Script and musical arrangements by Betsy Bright.  Story concept by Betsy Bright and Michael Becker.  Best for ages 1-10.  Click here for a video!

For theatrical brass quintet.  Most ensembles perform this with the musicians playing the characters themselves, but it could also be performed with actors playing the roles.  There is an alternate version of this show for brass quintet plus narrator as well.  This 30 minute musical story revolves around Mazy, a friendly monster who lives beneath the MetroCity Music Hall, who practices trumpet in secret, wishing to someday play with the orchestra.  After an accidental encounter with a musician leads her to sign up for an audition, Mazy must learn to face her fears and allow herself to truly be seen for the first time.  Includes arrangements of Schubert, Cara, Tchaikovsky, Bach, Sousa, Brahms, Verdi, and Purcell.  Best for ages 1-10.

Monster in the Music Hall
Visitor from Plant Slide

For theatrical brass quintet.  Most ensembles perform this with the musicians playing the characters themselves, but it could also be performed with actors playing the roles.  There is an alternate version of this show for brass quintet plus narrator as well.  This 30 minute musical story introduces us to the people of Brass Town, who have heard rumors of an alien seen in Piston Park.  This “dangerous alien” is none other than Mr. Dwee-Yoop from Planet Slide!  Because he speaks Slidean, using a trombone to communicate, the people of Brass Town initially fear him, but ultimately they learn to value his unique contribution to their town.  Includes arrangements of music from Zarathustra, The Planets, and Shenanigans.  Best for ages 1-10.

For piano quintet and narrator (violin 1, violin 2, viola, cello, narrator).  This 30 minute musical story follows Pablo, a young bear as he stumbles upon a hot air balloon.  He ends up on an accidental adventure with a young human, Monique.  The unlikely friends must work together to find their way back home.  Includes music by Fauré, Elgar, Bloch, Beach, Franck, Wolf-Ferrari, and Hahn.  Includes a slideshow with images that can be projected during the performance. Story and musical arrangements by Betsy Bright, artwork by Ann Bright.  Best for ages 1-12.

Monique's Balloon

SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS

The school presentations are general outreach shows for brass quintet (with optional percussion).  With the talking points in between pieces, the presentations are about 30 minutes long.  Most quintets have musicians take turns speaking, but this could also be done with a single presenter.  Speaking parts can be read word for word or each speaker can cover bullet-point topics with their own approach!  Generally, these shows are meant for grade levels 3-6, but talking points can be adjusted to work for older ages too.

MUSICAL MAGIC

Composers are like magicians! This show examines the many ways composers can use their musical spells and sound potions to help us feel a variety of emotions! Learn about the magical spells cast by dynamics, pitch, tempo, harmony, articulation, and rhythmic groove can influence the way our emotions feel. Features music by Cara, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Mozart, and Poulenc.

MUSICAL OLYMPIAD

This show celebrates games and teamwork! Great to do during an Olympics year or during various sports seasons. This show begins with the USA National Anthem, then covers all sorts of musical games! We begin with the “game” of the fugue with a Bach Contrapunctus. Then there is a musical triathlon with aural depictions of different sporting events. Next is Take Me Out to the Ball Game where we learn about everyone’s role on the musical team. Verdi’s Triumphal March celebrates victory!

MELODIC DISGUISES

When we think of a certain piece of music, we often think of its melodies. But some pieces have melodies in various disguises! This show is a deep dive on melody. We learn about contour, texture, emotions, form, and even cool composer tools like retrograde, inversions, retrograde-inversions, and octave displacement! Includes music by Bologne, Bach, Bright, Sousa, and even has a sing-along version of Happy Birthday with melodic variations!

MUSICAL MESSAGES

Music is a powerful way to communicate! This show explores the ways music can communicate across centuries, using big attention-grabbing fanfares or secret messages only meant for those who know about them. Music can communicate the way we love our friends and family. It can also give a voice to those who feel marginalized. Features music of the Renaissance, William Tell, Swing Low Sweet Chariot, You’re the Cream in My Coffee, and Sousa.

Interested in Performing one of these shows with your ensemble? Please fill out the form below!