The Dallas Brass will join 155 band students from Berryville middle and high schools for a special concert at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3, at Bobcat Arena. The concert will follow a special music clinic for band students in grades 7-12 and is part of the group’s “Music in the Schools” project. Submitted photo

Berryville middle and high school band students will get a chance to learn from and perform with professional musicians next month when the Dallas Brass quintet visits the city in October.

Berryville Bands director Doug Blevins said the group, founded in 1983, is one of America’s foremost musical ensembles, featuring a unique blend of traditional brass instruments with a full complement of drums and percussion.

“They will host an hourand- a-half clinic with the band students in grades 7-12,” Blevins said. “This will consist of the fundamentals of practicing, listening, proper breathing and setting musical goals.”

After the clinic, the students will get to perform with the group at special concert set for 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 3, at Bobcat Arena.

“That’s 155 students total that will perform,” Blevins said. “The kids in grades 7-8 will perform Star Wars and the 9-12 grade kids will perform American Tableau, a collection of patriotic music.”

Tickets for the concert are free, Blevins said, adding that a suggested donation of $5 will help offset expenses and that donation boxes will be available at the concert, sponsored by Saied Music. Tickets may be obtained from any band member, or by stopping by the high school or middle school office. Tickets will also be available at the door.

“This is not a benefit or fundraiser,” Blevins said, “just an experience for the students to have a professional groups of musicians come and work with them for one day and present a concert in which the students play one song with the professional group.

“This is a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience for our band students.”

The program is part of the Dallas Brass’ “Music in the Schools” project, which takes them into public schools to present clinics, workshops and concerts with young musicians of all ages. Blevins said he had worked with the group previously and was well aware of the benefits of participating in the program, so when the opportunity presented itself, he wasted no time.

“I have known the group leader personally for over 25 years,” Blevins said. “I hosted the Dallas Brass three times when I taught in Rogers Public Schools. Each time it has had a lasting impact on the band program inspiring kids to continue in music and become better at what they do.”

Blevins explained that the Dallas Brass had already scheduled stops in Rogers and Springdale.

“The leader, Michael Levine, contacted me to see if it would be possible for them to make the hour-and-a-half trip over to Berryville in October and I said, ‘Yes!,’ ” Blevins said. “We do have to pay for the group’s expenses and that is why there is a suggested donation of $5 for each ticket. We are also seeking sponsorships so all who want can come to the concert regardless of ability to purchase a ticket.”

In addition to its extensive solo engagements, the Dallas Brass has also appeared with symphony orchestras worldwide and has performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall, the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and has toured Europe and the Far East.

“I am very excited that this opportunity has come to Berryville,” Blevins said.

For more information about the concert, contact Blevins by email at dblevins@bobcat.k12.ar.us or call 870-480-4632.