*
banner

Mead on premiere tour

Steven Mead has just returned from his latest trip to the USA.

Mead
 

Euphonium virtuoso Steven Mead has just returned from a visit to the state of Wisconsin in the USA, where he gave the world premiere of a new work by a leading American composer, played a two-hour recital and gave a concert with a brass band.

Port of call

His first port of call was at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, where he was a guest artist, and in just four days, taught all the low brass students, both individually and at two masterclasses.

He also held a seminar with all the composers on the degree course, all of whom had been assigned this term to compose a contemporary work for euphonium.

Respected figure

There was a lecture to a general music class for non-musicians at the University and a question and answer session for all brass students. The organiser was Professor of Tuba, Dr Jerry Young, a highly respected figure in the low brass world.

The highlight of the time in Eau Claire came with a two-hour recital by Steven, the first half accompanied by piano and the second half by the University Wind Symphony, conducted by Peter Haberman.

World premiere

In the first half Steven gave the world premiere of a new work by the highly talented Ethan Wickman, Professor of Composition, entitled ‘Three Expeditions’.

Steven rates this new work very highly and told 4BR: “This is one of the most enjoyable modern works for euphonium I have ever played. It’s in three movements, ‘Strange Departures’, ’Moriah’ and ‘Olympus’ and once it’s widely available should be attempted by all serious euphonium players. It’s a stunning work and one that I’ll be recording on my new CD in December. Ethan has a real talent.”

All the students appreciated his candour and honesty and directness. The breadth of information about music in all its aspects he offered was very important to themDr Jerry Young

Praise

Dr. Jerry Young was full in his praise of Steven ‘s contribution to the University, telling 4BR: "All the students appreciated his candour and honesty and directness. The breadth of information about music in all its aspects he offered was very important to them. Also highly impressive was his professionalism and how he was a real performer in addition to being a fine musician."

On leaving Eau Claire, Steven travelled south to Racine, Wisconsin, performing for the third time in ten years with a large community brass band, The Belle City Brassworks.

Return

There was a large audience for the concert in which Steven played four solos including a new arrangement by local musician Ken Norman of the 3rd movement of the Mozart ‘Clarinet Concerto’.

From there it was directly back to the airport in Chicago and on arriving back in Heathrow, met up for a coffee with David Childs who had just returned from Toronto!

This coming weekend Steven is in Germany performing a solo recital with the Lithuanian pianist Asta Kvasyte and giving a two-day workshop for 30 local brass musicians in the region of Ida Oberstein, near Frankfurt.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Moore and Vollam

Moore and Vollam lead BTS Award winners

October 7 • Peter Moore and Helen Vollam are leading award winners with the British Trombone Society.


Women Composer

Women Composers Brass Directory launched

October 7 • A new directory of women composers and their works has been launched by media content creator Liv Richardson.


BrassinCncert

Tickets approach sell out at Brass in Concert

October 7 • There are not many tickets left for the 48th Brass in Concert Championship — so be quick if you want to bag your seat in Gateshead.


BrookWright Manger

BrookWright Music: Young Artists Series — Away in a Manger (arr. Kenneth Downie)

October 7 • Christmas is coming and so is this perfect piece of festive music making for soloists.


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Sunday 5 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd