The Brass Junkies

The Brass Junkies

Author: Pedal Note Media Language: Afar Episodes: 221
Hosted by Andrew Hitz, who spent years on the road as the tuba player for Boston Brass, The Brass Junkies dives into the lives and minds of world-class brass musicians. This isn't a formal lecture series; it's a conversation among friends, often with a rotating group of co-hosts joining in, that captures the unique spirit of the music community. You'll hear celebrated performers talk about the gritty realities of practice, the thrill of performance, and the bizarre, funny stories that happen offstage. The discussions roam freely from deeply technical advice and career insights to outright hilarious anecdotes, mirroring the full spectrum of experiences in the music business itself. Produced by Pedal Note Media, each episode of this podcast feels like pulling up a chair in the green room, offering an authentic and unvarnished look at what it really means to be a professional musician. For anyone fascinated by the art and the life behind the brass, from the trumpet to the tuba, this series provides a consistently engaging and human perspective.
Episodes
John Rojak: Episode 22 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:27
John Rojak of the American Brass Quintet joins Andrew & Lance to discuss portfolio careers and chamber music. John also discusses how the American Brass Quintet finds and commissions new pieces. He also talks about how h…
Jeff Nelsen: Episode 21 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:53
Magically Fearless (Fearlessly Magical?) Jeff Nelsen joins Andrew & Lance to discuss his diverse and fascinating career. Jeff explains how he got started and progressed from orchestra playing to a stint with Canadian Bra…
Jeff Conner: Episode 20 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:32
Jeff Conner of Boston Brass joins Andrew & Lance to discuss how Boston Brass got started. Jeff also explains what it takes to run a full-time touring group and how things have (and haven't) changed over the last 30 years…
Fred Powell: Episode 19 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:51
Fred Powell of Powell Trumpets joins Andrew & Lance to discuss trumpet design and brass repair. Fred also discusses the many times he has shared the stage with Andrew and Lance with Boston Brass and his freelance career.…
Scott Sutherland: Episode 18 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:08
Andrew & Lance are joined by tuba player, pianist, and arranger for Presidio Brass, Scott Sutherland. Scott talks about life on the road with a full-time touring brass quintet and how the group got its start. He also tal…
Mary Bowden: Episode 17 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:50
Andrew & Lance are joined by Mary Bowden, an international trumpet soloist and founding member of the Seraph Brass. She discusses her travels around the world, a transformational experience she had with our good friend J…
Phil Munds: Episode 16 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:34
Phil Munds currently holds the position as Principal Horn for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Prior to that, he served as a member of The United States Air Force Band with the one and only, Lance LaDuke! Phil shares ho…
Jamie Lipton: Episode 15 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:38
Andrew & Lance talk shop with Jamie Lipton, Euphonium Artist and Professor of Low Brass at Henderson State University. Jamie discusses her musical upbringing and how that led her to attending Northwestern and North Texas…
Jim Nova: Episode 14 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:40
Andrew & Lance are joined by Jim Nova, trombone player for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Jim talks about how his successful audition for the Pittsburgh Symphony was the 39th of his career! He also shares a very movi…
Marty Hackleman: Episode 13 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:56
Andrew & Lance are joined by Marty Hackleman, former horn player for the Canadian Brass, Empire Brass, and National Symphony Orchestra. Marty talks about the many stops along his incredible career, including winning his…