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Wasn't sure if this was "off topic" or regular Tubenet fare, so please forgive if in the incorrect category.

Canadian Brass personnel changes

Noticed that there have been a couple of recent line-up changes in the Canadian Brass as of early January, namely the addition of trumpeter Charles Lazarus and hornist Bernhard Scully.

The only mention I can see to recently departed players Joe Burgstaller and Jeff Nelson is Chuck’s comment on their website: “Each of them have very important reasons to pursue other facets of their performing experiences.â€

bloke wrote:A close friend and colleague was a member of that ensemble for a couple of years in the recent past. The problems seem to consist of a heavy financial cost to "buy in" to the organization, an extremely heavy touring schedule, and the practical need to relocate one's home to Canada for off-season rehearsing (if one is to have any "family life" at all). Incidentally, it had been that person's life-long goal (since elementary school age) to be a member of that ensemble.

A former member was also a good friend as well -- and we, too, have played together; the same "challenges" that you mention were found. From my own experience with touring ensembles, I completely understand.

Anyone know what Joe Burgstaller and Jeff Nelson are doing/planning?

bloke wrote:bloke "who realized that it was time to do something else with someone else"

Yep...; coulda been my exact words several years ago.

I wound up doing same: something else and with a greater variety of people. Haven't had that "trapped" feeling since.

It is my understanding that Jeff will be playing a broadway show in New York - I forget which one. Beyond that I couldn't say.

I think Blokes comments are right on the money. ever since the departure of Fred Mills, and shortly thereafter Ron Romm it does seem that finding people who can acclimate themselves to that lifestyle is difficult. especially since CB seems to be an "all consuming" musical activity in which it's members do not pursue any other musical thing while in the group, but hey.... they are still ahead of most rock bands in terms of longevity as an ensemble, and there is certainly not the drama associated with members departing.

Although I do wonder (why they have NEVER been able to keep a french horn player) anyone know why fhorns players specifically seems to come and go sooo quickly?

quickly fed-up with ' pah, ' pah, ' duddle-lup pah...

Ha ha ha ha ha ha!...

Because in the Canadian Brass the tuba gets all the soaring French horn-like melodies? No complaint about that from me, but ya gotta feel for the poor French hornist losing his birthright.

bloke wrote:quickly fed-up with ' pah, ' pah, ' duddle-lup pah...

LOL Good form.

Touring is brutal. We tour for a single 7-week stretch each year, and that's too long for comfort. Seven weeks, with 60 people who aren't your family, is tough enough. How long do those guys tour each year, and they've only got the five of themselves to look at every night? Yeesh. Brutal.

I wish I'd had the chance to see them while Joe Burgstaller was in the group. I was in college with Joe. He's got game.

going off of Tubaboy's comment....I am not sure about Joe, but recall Ryan Anthony left so that he could be with the family....... it is a shame that such a good group has such a downside for so many members....