BRASS QUINTET IS TAKIN’ IT TO THE STREETS
THE RIVER OAKS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA BRASS QUINTET
Without the ability to gather in public spaces, ROCO’s whimsical Brass Quintet is taking to the road for the launch of its new, social-distancing-approved “AmBRASSadors” project.
This weekend, trumpeters George Chase and Jason Adams, hornist Spencer Park, trombonist Thomas Hultén and tubist Ali Jackson will pack up their cars and caravan around Houston, bringing live music to the front lawns of 10 of the ensemble’s top supporters.
Over two hours on June 12-13, the musicians will perform what Chase describes as a “rinse-and-repeat” program, consisting of two works — the uptempo rag “That’s a Plenty” by Lew Pollack and an arrangement of the 1939 British song “We’ll Meet Again” by Ross Parker and Hughie Charles, which was popularized by singer Dame Vera Lynn during World War II.
“At this point, it’s really just sharing the love for the people who’ve been with us,” said ROCO founder and artistic director Alecia Lawyer, who will be leading the charge in her decorated Lincoln Navigator featuring custom ROCO plates, aka the “ROCO mobile.” “If you see us coming, come out. We want to engage with every community that we have, get more people involved and find fun and joy in the music and the musicians.”
In response to the coronavirus, the chamber orchestra has provided an abundance of virtual programming, all with the intent of furthering its connection to its audience. In addition to an online listening room, there are livestream discussions, #ROCOrelief at-home concerts, ROCOreveal educational videos and Sunday afternoon rebroadcasts of past performances, the last of which has wrapped up for the summer but will resume in August.
On Sept. 26, ROCO is scheduled to kick off its 16th season, titled “Color and Light,” with a full-orchestra concert at the Church of St. John the Divine. Among a number of illuminating musical collaborations, including a new partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston in its Unchambered series, the season will feature 10 new commissions that will join the staggering 100 the ensemble has already premiered as the third-highest commissioner of new music in the country.
“That’s part of the major dialogue right now. It’s not just about can we play, it’s about what should we play,” Lawyer said. “You base it on people and human relationships and not about metrics, and if you’re purposeful, you will accomplish that. If you can show up, that’s the beginning of the communication. I think that’s the key — showing up, being in dialogue and taking purposeful strides for connection.”
Human connection has stood at the forefront of ROCO’s mission since its inaugural concert in 2005, and although the Brass Quintet performs with its own identity, it upholds the organization’s characteristic approachability, particularly in beloved traditions like its annual “Beer & Brass” program at Saint Arnold Brewing Co..
“The musicians, their personalities are what we can rely on for our brand. They are a conundrum, that group,” Lawyer said, laughing. “I’ve only had to take the mic away from them once in a performance, and you can quote me on that. They’re just so much fun and hilarious, and they’re phenomenal in their creativity.”
Beyond nurturing in-person relationships, ROCO started livestreaming its concerts three years ago, solidifying its status as a trailblazer among orchestras nationwide in its use of technology to expand its reach and engagement.
The ensemble is as highly regarded for its dedication to diversity as it is to innovation. According to a recent study by the Institute for Composer Diversity, ROCO placed first out of the 120 American orchestras analyzed in the 2019-20 season for the percentage of programmed works by female composers and second for the percentage of programmed works by composers from underrepresented racial, ethnic and cultural heritages.
With this weekend’s caravan, the musicians simply want to connect and encourage connection amid the coronavirus pandemic and current social unrest.
“If you see us driving past,” Lawyer said, “honk!”