The Big Brass Bash "Swan Song" was held in Missoula, MT on July 14-16, 2023. It included 53 euphonium and tuba players, hosted by Mr. Montana Tuba, Gary Gillett. Big Brass Bashes are to the Memory of Harvey Phillips - "Mr. Tuba".

Rehearsals were at Sentinel High School (Gary's old stompin' grounds), and the complimentary final concert was held on Sunday afternoon at the Bonner Park Band Shell.

A Saturday night "TOAST" included certificate presentations by Sam, a short talk by Gary Gillett & an a cappella vocal quintet - Danny Bauman, Heather Bauman (website), Robin Blumenthal, (staff accompanist & percussionist) Sam Blumenthal and Cole Henslee - a real family affair. The tune was a parody on Lida Rose, entitled Tuba Boys & in the recognition of the Bash advisors/Tuba Boys (Merv Cutright, Gary Gillett & Dave Thomas).

A special drone photo was take by Robert Ball and is available on the Through The Years page. Glenda Cutright displayed her delightful quilt collection, made up from the shirts of each year since the Octuba Fest was originally started.

The collective age at this Bash was 56.75 - the youngest @ 13 and the most senior at 85. Attendance included low-brass enthusiasts from NV, OR, WA, ID, & MT, as well as British Columbia, Canada.

Special compositions or arrangements were written by Sam Blumenthal, Scott Mac Innes and Mike Rosbarsky. Sam arranged the Ukrainian National Anthem, with a fluegelhorn part played by Brendan Mc Glynn and Eb "peck horn" played by Cole Henslee. Sam also arranged the Star -Spangled Banner, You Never Had A Friend Like Me (Our Bash Friends), the Gillette Look Sharp March (a specialty for Gary Gillett), and Somewhere Over The Rainbow (Bash Rainbow). Scott composed BIG BRASS BASH, (a 3 movement piece - 1. SAM 2. GONE 3. DONE) a tribute to present and past "Bashers" - especially for the "Swan Song" Bash. "Rosy" composed TWILIGHT - recently played at ITEC, and conducted by Benedict Kirby, University of Montana tuba instructor.

Originally planned conductor Larry Gookin - Emeritus Professor of Music at Central WA University - was unable to attend, but the talent within the group was utilized to complete the necessary job - Sam Blumenthal, Robin Blumenthal, Gary Gillett, Benedict Kirby, and Scott Mac Innes.

The concert ended with our usual piccolo-part-tuba-playing to Stars And Stripes Forever - Played by Merv Cutright, Matt Frankiewicz, Benedict Kirby and Jerry Olson.

Click here to learn more, see a full list of pieces played, and for videos!