Testimonials & Reviews

"The Sequoias Portola Valley is still recovering enthusiastically from the wonderful Brass concert you, Jay, Brian, Randall and Joel gave us this afternoon. It was just wonderful because it wasn’t too loud, just very heartfelt and full of good feelings for what you five were playing!! We had a most happy time!!

We will hope to have you back soon. In the meantime, all best wishes for the rest of your year of concerts.quot;

Ceseli Foster & Tracy, Co-Chairs, Music@4, The Sequoias Portola Valley 9/24/24

"Dan we are so grateful for you and the wonderful music you brought to the Menlo 150 celebration! Thank you so much for reaching out and volunteering your time to make this extra special for everyone. Please pass along our thanks to your whole team. You were also wonderful to work with personally and I so appreciate your servant's heart."

Josh Fox, Menlo Church 3/31/2023

"Thank you and your entire quintet for performing at the Menlo 150 event on Sunday. Your choice of songs was fabulous and I've heard from many people who found the performance so meaningful. Anton Nel (on staff) said in an email reflecting on the day: "Kudos to the brass band for their selection - that was pure brilliance."

The quintet kicked off the celebration part of the day with just the right sense of joy and gratitude for all that God has done and is doing in and through our church. We're SO glad you reached out to Josh Fox to ask if the Menlo Brass Quintet could be a part of it. Please share our thanks with the rest of the group.

Hoping that all who hear you will feel the love and joy that you exude."

Debbie Hall & Emily Liggett, Menlo Church 150 Celebration Committee 11/05/2023

"It was a wonderful concert and everyone liked the mix of some classical with the popular but beautiful melodies. It was a wonderfully blended group and what a treat to concentrate just on the brasses. Each one of you deserves his separate hurrah for an extra good performance."

Ceseli Foster, The Sequoias Portola Valley 3/31/2023

"Every one of the Quintet Brass Musicians was a standout today! It was such a great treat for each one of us residents to be able to sit outside on a beautiful lightly breezy day, listening to some of the best popular music in the world! All of you were so enthusiastic and happy, and your feelings transmitted themselves to all of us. Thank you, thank you!!"

Ceseli Foster, The Sequoias Portola Valley 8/24/2023

Ceseli Foster, The Sequoias Portola Valley 3/31/2023

Ceseli Foster, The Sequoias Portola Valley 8/24/2023

Ceseli Foster, The Sequoias Portola Valley 3/31/2023

"Please thank everyone in Menlo Brass for me! It was a wonderful performance of On a Silver Plate, and I will enjoy listening to the entire concert. I appreciated all of the comments at our Zoom rehearsal."

I'Lana Cotton, composer 7/16/2022

"I just wanted to tell you what a pleasure it was for me to hear The Menlo Brass Quintet's rendition of my composition last week. You played with great subtlety and artistry. Not only that, I heard unexpected interpretations that made it even better than what I had imagined. I loved it. Many thanks to you and the rest of the quintet."

Julie Schnapf, composer 7/16/2022

"Today I got a chance to watch and listen to the video of your performance of MARVEL at the July 16 concert. You guys really put on a great performance!"

Greg Bartholomew, composer 7/16/2022

"We had a great concert yesterday, played wonderfully by the Menlo Brass. I think we cannot thank them enough for their generosity and artistry!"

Davide Verotta, composer 7/16/2022

"It was a fabulous concert! That's not hyperbole."

Mary Fineman, composer 7/16/2022

"Congratulations all, and special thanks to the wonderful musicians of the Menlo Brass."

Adrienne Albert, composer 7/16/2022

"It was really fun to work with the MBQ. I appreciate all of your thorough preparation and togetherness. You are all very talented musicians and very fun to work with. Looking forward to more great musical moments together!"

Danny Navarrete-Estassi, Associate Director of Classic Worship, First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame 4/1/2022

"I have thought about the music for [my husband's] service since he passed away 11 months ago. I yearned for music that would lift us, honor him and bring a smile to his heavenly face, and bring us together in tribute to life and hope. I so wanted the arrangement of "It Is Well With My Soul" sung at the John Lewis funeral. Dan, the project of transcribing the music successfully could not have been done without your patient and willing collaboration, as well as Jim's and Shine's. I can never express what it meant to me to hear that beautiful piece on Saturday, lovingly played and sung by all of you. In addition, the quintet's contribution to the "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" and "Thine Be The Glory" arrangements added immeasurably to the glorious feeling in the church. Finally, let me tell you that many people have raved about the postlude of Beatles tunes you played. You helped make everything in the service a unique tribute to Dave's life and loves.
It is I that am honored that the five of you would agree to be there, to practice and to prepare as the professionals you are, and add immeasurable beauty to the day. "

Carol Ann Parker 10/2/2021

"Three days since you were here, and I'm still getting raves from residents! Your concert was very much enjoyed and appreciated by everyone, both the music and how it was played and the between-pieces educational inputs."

Onnolee Trapp, The Sequoias Entertainment Committee 1/27/2020 CONCERT PROGRAM

"A large audience of Forum residents was 'happily entertained' on Saturday evening, July 20, by a very fine brass ensemble known as the Menlo Brass Quintet. I say 'happily entertained' because of the smiles and eager comments by audience members on leaving the Sierra Room at the end of the concert... Each instrumentalist is a fine professional musician both technically and musically... They are in great demand, and certainly would be welcomed at The Forum whenever convenient for our program schedule and their busy performance obligations. Creating fun, along with great music well played, will always result in the listener's aesthetic sense of 'happy entertainment'."

John Mortarotti, Rancho San Antonio 7/20/2019 (See the entire review here)

"Many thanks for your role in the most beautiful wedding music I have ever heard. We were so blessed to have the Menlo Brass Quintet playing at our daughter’s wedding."

Molly McKenna, Mother of the Bride 10/1/2018

"It was so wonderful working with you on Abrams/Miller wedding! Thank you for all of the attention to detail you put into each song. I hope that we can work together in the future!"

Melanie and the Glow Team (Melanie Zelnick, Glow Event Design) 8/5/2017

"Thanks so much to you and your fellow players — it was an outstanding performance, every piece! I have heard from so many people regarding how much they enjoyed hearing your music and also your introductions of each piece.
Thank you again - I hope to be able to find another occasion on which to have you all play."

Jane Hartman 8/27/2016

"Thanks again for your wonderful performance yesterday. It was a terrific evening and your performance made the evening!"

Doug Scrivner 8/22/2016

"I've received so many comments from residents since your performance — all in praise and appreciation. Thanks for providing us a wonderful evening!"

Onnolee Trapp, The Sequoias Entertainment Committee 4/1/2016 CONCERT PROGRAM

"Thank you so much for your musical contribution to the New Choir's concerts! Merry Christmas to you!"

Eileen Chang, Artistic Director of the New Choir 12/20/2015

"Last night's concert was memorable. [We] enjoyed it immensely. Thanks for all the effort that went into it."

D. Fujimoto, concertgoer 12/5/2015 CONCERT PROGRAM

"With many thanks to the quintet it was a fabulous evening of wonderful music. Likewise, many people expressed to me their appreciation of the event. I believe everyone went home with feelings of joy and blessing, and were very glad they came."

Shirley Garner, President, Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, Sunnyvale-Mtn View Corps 12/4/2015 CONCERT PROGRAM

"I didn't have a chance to thank all of you personally but I do want each of you to know how much our family appreciated the wonderful – and fitting – job you did playing the kind of music that Reg loved at his memorial service. I heard over and over again from people who were there how great 'the band' was. As you know, there were 'ears' in the audience who knew the difference between good and superlative, too!
I must confess that early in our marriage, I didn't fully appreciate the bands and the music that I was able to hear when Reg took me on his recording adventures, and this taste had to be acquired. One evening when we stood outside Whitehall listening to a rehearsal for the Queen's Birthday Parade, I finally 'got it' hearing the sound of 'Amazing Grace' shimmering off the walls. (If only I had a do-over for the ones that came before!) I loved listening to your quintet playing that hymn but was also glad when Ben asked you to play "the short one" and I heard the lovely arrangement of 'The Old Rugged Cross.' Beautiful!
Thank you for all the thought, rehearsal and effort that went into the music you played at the memorial service, and if you have a mailing list for concerts, etc., please add the name of your newest groupie."

Janet McGovern, regarding memorial service for Reg McGovern 8/26/2015

"...On behalf of Reg's family, thank you for the beautiful performance of music that he loved. A tribute to his life as a music producer would not have been "right" without a brass group to strike the "right" notes :). Thank you!"

Janet McGovern, regarding memorial service for Reg McGovern 8/21/2015

"...We had a wonderful time not only collaborating with the Menlo Brass Quintet but also listening to you playing favorite Christmas carols! It was a delighting experience! Thanks you so much for making our concert more wonderful! Looking forward to having you again in the future!"

Eileen Chang, Artistic Director of the New Choir 12/30/2014

"Many thanks for an outstanding concert on Friday. The program selections were right on target for our Seniors audience. Had several comments regarding your program as being the "Best Ever" for our group and Marge and I agree wholeheartedly! The commentary between numbers really adds to the whole experience"

Jim Hodel, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church 11/4/2011 CONCERT PROGRAM

"The music for Easter Sunday was nothing short of sensational. Please convey my gratitude to the Menlo Brass for the awesome contribution they made to the success of the service."

Roger Dills, Parishioner, Church of the Epiphany 4/24/2011

"Thanks so much for your contribution to our worship each year. ... I loved the music this year."

Cortlandt Bender, Director of Music Ministries, Church of the Epiphany 4/24/2011

"Thank you so much for a great evening – the residents really enjoyed the night."

Sandi Ryan, Program Director, The Forum at Rancho San Antonio 1/29/2011 CONCERT PROGRAM

"I think that everyone who came really enjoyed the concert – the music as well as the remarks made about the pieces that you played. It was a great evening! Thanks so much!"

Onnolee Trapp, The Sequoias Entertainment Committee 11/12/2010 CONCERT PROGRAM

"Everyone enjoyed the quintet immensely so thanks for your preparation – especially on my two tunes. Thank you for helping to make it a wonderful celebration!"

Roger Summit, trombone player and music arranger 10/20/2010

"A big thank you for making the wedding SPECTACULAR! We really appreciated you working out the details ... between you and the photographer we had a precise timeline that made sure everything ran on time ...
Everyone commented on how much they enjoyed the music. You added to the atmosphere. It was very appropriate as that was how the kids had met. Personally, I remember singing along to your music during the photographs following the cerremony. I can't wait to see the video to hear it all over again.
We are still smiling from the whole event."

Katie Graham, Mother of the Bride 8/7/2010

"It was a real pleasure talking with you and listening to you at Stanford's Baccalaureate and Commencement last weekend. The music was just spectacular."

Todd Yozuriha, Director of Evergreen Public Schools, Vancouver, Washington (and parent of a Stanford graduate)

"Thanks so much for the wonderful concert on Friday evening! We certainly want you to return."

Onnolee Trapp, Program Coordinator, Entertainment Committee, The Sequoias - Portola Valley 10/26/08
CONCERT PROGRAM

"The Menlo Brass did themselves proud. All the reviews have been great. Thank you for a very enjoyable evening. I am telling everyone here at the Sequoias to plan to come ... when you are here."

Norm Phillips, MPPC 10/6/08 CONCERT PROGRAM

"Just a brief message to thank you and the ‘Brass’ for a fine program last night!"

Jim Hodel, MPPC 10/4/08 CONCERT PROGRAM

"Thank you for a wonderful show on Sunday. It was a real pleasure performing with you — our audience loved it."

Chuck Leavitt, Voices in Harmony 12/18/07

"Your last Sunday concert was the first that I have attended. My wife and I very much enjoyed it. I am a brass player/music educator/performer and I was very impressed. I intend on informing my students of your performances."

Michael Carder 11/11/07 (after attending concert on 10/28/07) CONCERT PROGRAM

"Thanks so much for ‘hosting’ us at your brass rehearsal. We really, really enjoyed ourselves. The music was terrific, and the company superb! ... We‘re very appreciative of your efforts. You are a truly talented bunch. We‘ll be in touch!"

Nikki Murgo and Larry Quinto, future bride and groom 1/26/07

"It's hard to come down from the high of the Belmont concert... Thank you for making our final concert extraordinary! What a sound, handbells and brass! What great songs to ring with your wonderful sound coming through clear to the back row where I was ringing."

Paulette McFarlin, Area XII Secretary, American Guild of English Handbell Ringers 7/10/06

"Thank you so much for bringing the quintet to play for my husband's memorial service. How he would have loved it! Thank you for contributing to the beauty of the occasion."

Mrs. Gerry Kehm 1/24/06

“Ken and I were really pleased with how everything turned out at the wedding--thanks so much for your enthusiasm and flexibility throughout! I should also add that we had many compliments on your music from other guests as well. ... Thanks so much for everything – we couldn’t have been happier with your role in our wedding!”

Jane and Ken Fortson, Bride and Groom 7/8/05

"Thanks for a great service on Sunday. It was wonderful to have the Menlo Brass with us and exciting to hear them play."

Jayne Bell, Director of Worship Ministries, First Baptist Church of Los Altos 7/5/05

"How splendid to talk with you about Sarah and Keith’s sunset-in-SF wedding on Oct 30. Your music was an essential,elegant part of it. Forever thanks for your glorious music ... and cheers for your professionalism and artistry."

Linda Hawes Clever, MD, MACP, Mother of the Bride 12/20/04

"Fantastic, Superb, Fabulous are just some of the thoughts and compliments we send and our guests echoed. We do so appreciate your wonderful talents and the choice of songs was great. Molly and Matt were so thrilled with your music and said you guys were the best!!! She never stopped smiling all evening. Your tone set the stage for an elegant but fun wedding reception.
Thank you again for allowing Molly to bring me to your rehearsal. I managed to not cry much on the wedding day but cried when watching the video on Sunday... Just as wonderful seeing and hearing you the second time."

Sally Considine, Mother of the Bride 7/26/04

"I wanted to thank your group for doing such a great job at our wedding on the 29th [of May]! I thought the quintet complemented the venue and the festivities perfectly! Thanks for making it work - and so wonderfully!! :) "

Stephnee Greenwood Leathers, Bride 6/7/04

"Thanks so much for letting Matt and I sit in on your rehearsal and for playing various selections for our wedding. We not only appreciate the help in choosing our songs, but felt like we had the front row seats to our own private concert! What a treat! We really can't thank you enough. I am thrilled you guys are playing for us at our wedding and my parents can't wait to hear you in person. Thanks again for a wonderful evening!"

Molly Considine, Bride-to-Be 5/12/2004

That was a great concert. Everyone sounded good and you played with power and beautiful tone. The information given before each piece was interesting too. I think that my son [7th grade trumpeter] would find it inspiring to hear."

Tom Cooper, Concertgoer, Email list signup (and trumpet player) 2/10/04 CONCERT PROGRAM

“Wonderful Menlo Brass Quintet -- I enjoyed your concert very much. I appreciated the detailed introductions (great for those who are enthusiastic but not too familiar with each composer) and the wide range of eras represented. I just wished the concert went on longer... Thanks so much! I'm looking forward to your next public concert."

Caroline Beverstock, Concertgoer, Email list signup 2/10/04 CONCERT PROGRAM

“Tonight's concert was excellent. I enjoyed, and felt, every beautiful note. The percussionist brought a delightful dimension. I've bookmarked the website and look forward to attending future concerts. Thank you for a wonderful musical experience."

James Ley, West Menlo Park, Concertgoer, Email list signup 2/8/04 CONCERT PROGRAM

“The music was as lovely as always. It's always a treat to have you play as part of our Sunday worship service. We look forward to the next time."

Elizabeth Wolf, member of the Choir, First Congregational Church of Palo Alto 12/21/03

"I finally got a chance to hear the whole CD and it's grand! That is a tight little group and it's in tune. Everybody sounds technically and musically proficient, and the balance is perfect. Whoever recorded youse-all knew what's up. It is a nice comprehensive program too...shows what can be done. A grand present for me! If only every student I had was so good!"

John Kolarik, Barb Sigler's former high school brass ensemble teacher 12/18/03

"You're a fantastic group, and I'm looking forward to your next couple of concerts."

Mike Davis, Fan 11/30/03

"Thank you for a job well done. You were a pleasure to work with and the music was awesome! I will be highly recommending you to my clients."

Robbin Montero, Wedding Consultant and Coordinator 10/6/03

“I still play your CD all during my drive time — love it!!!”

Jane Hartman (mother of the bride) 5/2/03

“I never got around to telling you how much Lynn and I loved your MBQ album "A Simpler Life". Great programming, performances and recording! I have a moderate collection of brass quintet recordings and this one is definitely one of my favorites. Jack Gale [arranger of "Tonight" and "Summertime" from the CD] actually played in my brass quintet in NY when he was writing the West Side Story and Porgy & Bess arrangements. He was ... always fun to work with the few times we were able to get him for jobs. I have copies of his manuscript that he gave me...so it was extra cool for me to hear them on your recording. Lipton's writing and playing are both very interesting and enjoyable... everyone else was great — Dan, Barbara, Ron & Sam — you really did a great job on this."

Fred Urrutia (former professional tuba player in a brass quintet in New York City; founding member and former baritone saxophone in Full Spectrum Jazz big band) 1/17/03

That CD of yours is spectacular! This is work of the highest calibre, and a fabulously clean recording job. "

Ed Brink, piano recording artist 1/7/03

"Thanks to you and the rest of the group for helping to make our daughter’s day so perfect."

Tom and Patricia Sanders, parents of the bride 11/26/02

"We thoroughly enjoyed the Menlo Brass Quintet CD. Herb plays trumpet, so can appreciate the excellent tone and precision. You all are to be congratulated and we hope this CD will be a fine success."

Barbara and Herb Lauterwasser (Laconia, New Hampshire) 1/6/03

"Fantastic group! I try to attend all their public concerts."

Mike Davis, Email list signup 12/27/02

"REALLY enjoyed hearing the Menlo Brass the other night. You guys were terrific! I really appreciated hearing you do such a fantastic job on my arrangement. Thanks again for a great and enjoyable evening on the 16^th."

Dave Adams, Palo Alto Unified School District Music Education 11/26/02 CONCERT PROGRAM

"Sheri and I had the most wonderful reception any two people could possibly have, at a four-star restaurant, Chantilly. We had a carefully planned, elegant atmosphere that reflected the importance of our marriage and sent a message to everyone how much it mattered to us both. The Menlo Brass Quintet performed the perfect music to create just the right background for an upscale, high class reception. We could not have been happier with any other form of music."

Kevin and Sheri Osborne 11/25/02

"As soon as I got your CD I meant to write you and tell you how nice it looks, and later, how nice it sounds. You all did a great job. It looks so nice. I enjoyed the pieces very much. It was nice to hear the quintet play the other pieces, and I’m am very grateful for your inclusion of my piece."

Warner Jepson, Composer 11/22/02 CONCERT PROGRAM

"Congratulations to you and the whole group on the great new CD! It's just beautifully put together in every respect! I really liked the musical way you played my "2 for 5," and the other selections were equally well done. Thank you for including my work on your fine release."

Dr. Sondra Clark, Composer 11/6/02

"For years, when I've needed excellent brass support, I look to the Menlo Brass Quintet. Whether playing for Stanford University's annual commencement or for the inauguration of a new president, the Menlo Brass Quintet can be counted on for outstanding musicianship."

Jim Nadel, Lecturer, Stanford Music Dept., Director, Stanford Jazz Workshop 9/23/02

"We can’t thank you enough for the wonderful world premiere of "Tribute to the Ancients" (at the Centennial Celebration of the Sempervirens). It was indeed a very appropriate tribute to the individuals who had the foresight to start an organization to save ancient trees and preserve them for generations to come. The brass quintet sounded so well in the outdoor venue. Everyone enjoyed it very much, and it added so much to the overall festiveness of the day."

Brian Steen, Executive Director, Sempervirens Fund, 6/5/00

"I thought it was wonderful! You have a marvelous group. Thanks again for adding so much to the luncheon."

Allison Herd, Director, Human Relations Department, Cardiac Pathways Corporation, 12/17/99

"Thank you from all of us here at The Sequoias in attendance or listening and watching over our in-house TV, for your excellent program. It was a real pleasure to have you with us."

Dotty Kennedy, Chairman, Music at Four, Portola Valley Sequoias 11/3/98

"Thank you for the wonderful music you performed for our wedding. We thoroughly enjoyed it on the day and will continue to do so whenever we watch the video."

Nathan and Julie Cunningham, 7/12/97

"Thank you for making this wedding extra special."

Kyle Kashima, brother of the bride, 7/4/97

“Thank you so much for making our ceremony so special — we really appreciate all of your talent and cooperation.”

Jennifer Carsillo and Michael Butterman, 5/24/97

“How wonderful it was to see you again two Sundays ago and to hear your splendid music-making! As you might imagine, your performance served as a potent ministry to all who were there. I’m sure, based on various comments, that many people left that morning strengthened in the name of the Lord. Also, you left us looking forward to your next visit. It seems we can’t get enough of the Menlo Brass!”

Randy Hawkins, Minister of Music and Rev. Rick Line, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Menlo Park, 12/16/96

“If I had ANY IDEA how WONDERFUL your fine ensemble sounded, we most certainly would have had more of your music at the May 27 Memorial Service at the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. I hope for a happier occasion in the future whereby we could have the pleasure — BLESSING! — of hearing you and your fellow musicians. All the family and friends join me in sending to you all our genuine gratitude for a fine uplifting inspirational performance.”

Bettie Hurd, 7/4/96

“Thank you very much for participating in our Christmas Eve service. The music was wonderful and really helped to provide an atmosphere of worship. Thank you for sharing your talent with us!”

Derek Wood – Vineyard Christian Fellowship of the Peninsula, 1/11/95

"Menlo Brass Quintet – You are terrific!"

Michele Miland-Larsen (bride), 8/15/92

"Many thanks for the beautiful music and magnificent performance during our wedding ceremony. Everyone commented how beautiful the group sounded."

Vern and Maria Holme, 12/9/90

"Thank you very much for your performance at the Art and Wine Festival. We have received many positive comments from members of the city and chamber of commerce as well as the friends who enjoyed the music. We will be in touch with you for future concerts whenever possible."

Mary Bender, Community School of Music and Arts Director, 9/16/86

"With major and minor juxtaposed in so Russian a way, Ewald’s work (Quintet No. 1, Op. 5) well expressed the occasion’s mixed sentiments. The quintet played fluently, with better tone production in louder passages."

Michael Andrews – The Peninsula Times Tribune, 5/12/86

"Thank you sincerely for taking time from your Easter morning to play at Stanford Memorial Church and add a brilliant touch to our worship. Let’s make music together again some time!"

Gregory Wait, Choir Director, Stanford Memorial Church, 4/14/85

"Thank you very much for playing at our wedding — you all play so well together and have a beautiful sound."

Colleen Dun and Steve Hall, 4/28/84

"I want to personally thank you and the other members of the quintet for your participation in our holiday program. Your playing was in tune, excellent and artistically exciting. It was a satisfying musical experience. I wish you the best and look forward to working with you in the future."

Robert A. Geary, Music Director, Baroque Choral Guild, 2/7/84

"Your participation helped make this one of our most memorable annual conventions. We are truly grateful for your part in our fine experience. Heard many comments about the quality of the music of the Menlo Brass Quintet! Thanks again!"

Robert D. Rasmussen, Executive Minister, and Dayle H. Scott, Staff Liaison, Program Committee, American Baptist Churches of the West, 11/8/83

“The Brass Quintet sounded impressive in the Quintet No. 3 by Ewald, a modern work which made good use of the various instrumental timbres. Suppe's ‘Poet and Peasant Overture’ pleased the audience most.”

Angela M. Owen – The Peninsula Times Tribune, 10/24/83

Contact the Menlo Brass Quintet

For concert information and bookings, please contact Dan Hallock:

Telephone
- (650) 364-8413

Postal address
- 927 Third Avenue
  Redwood City, California 94063-4004 U.S.A.

E-mail
- General Information: info@menlobrass.com