Meet Us

As a group, the Commonwealth Brass has nearly 200 years of combined musical experience. We have had the privilege, either collectively or individually, to play under such renowned conductors as Col. Arnold Gabrielle, Col. (Ret) Beorgeious, Maj. Arthur W.R. Shettle, Dr. Larry Parsons (Larry Parsons Chorale), Dr. Craig Jessop (Mormon Tabernacle Choir), and Dr. Erin Freeman (currently of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra). Our members have played in venues ranging from small, local churches to the National Cathedral, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

The Commonwealth Brass ensemble is made up of the following members:

Matt Stevens (Trumpet) - Matt has been playing the trumpet for 21 years. He holds a degree in Music Performance from Alderson-Broaddus College. Matt has toured Europe twice, and has even had the privilege to play at Nonnberg Abbey, the setting of The Sound of Music. He has also performed as a soloist for many local area churches, the Chester Brass Quintet, and the European Wind Ensemble of Richmond. He currently plays with the Elbe Musikanten of Richmond, and is the Principal Trumpet in the Richmond Philharmonic Orchestra.

Chuck Hinton (Trumpet) - Chuck is a versatile musician with 42 years of musical experience. His musical interests vary from Rock & Roll to the Symphony Orchestra. In addition to playing the trumpet, Chuck also has a talent for arranging music for our brass quintet. He studied under Mr. George Tuckwiller while in college at Virginia State University. In the past, Chuck has played with the Chester Brass Quintet, the European Wind Ensemble of Richmond, the Fort Lee Players, and at the Swift Creek Playhouse. He currently performs with the Unnaturals, a local rock band, and with the Richmond Philharmonic Orchestra.

Sandra Burnett (Horn) - Sandra has been playing the horn for 44 years. She has had the privilege to study under Dr. Harold Mintz of the University of Tennessee, as well as Dr. Wayne Pelgram of Tennessee Tech University. She has performed in the past with the Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra, Chester Brass Quintet, European Wind Ensemble of Richmond, the Petersburg Symphony, the Richmond Philharmonic Orchestra, Glen Allen Cultural Arts Players, and the Fort Lee Players. She currently plays with the Commonwealth Chamber Ensemble (a woodwind quintet), Elbe Musikanten of Richmond, and the Richmond Symphonic Winds.

Jim Bryant (Euphonium/Trombone) - Jim has 58 years of musical experience. He studied music education at Auburn University under Dr. Bodie Hinton and is a proud member of the music fraternity, Phi Mu Alpa. After graduating from Auburn University, he went on to study music at the U.S. Naval Conservatory of Music and served in the 7th Army Band in Stuttgart, Germany. He is a founding and current member of the Richmond Concert Band and performed with the Chester Brass Quintet and numerous tuba quartets. Currently, Jim plays with the European Wind Ensemble of Richmond, Elbe Musikanten of Richmond, and Tuba Christmas.

James Nielsen, Jr. (J.J.) (Tuba) - J.J. has 25 years of experience playing the tuba. He attended Liberty University, where he studied music under Bill Folger (Principal Tuba, Lynchburg Symphony). While at Liberty, J.J. played in the Liberty University Brass Quintet, Liberty University Concert Ensemble, and the Liberty Brass Choir. In addition to playing the tuba, J.J. also enjoys the technical side of recording music. In the past, he has played with the Chester Brass Quintet, the Richmond Concert Band, and the European Wind Ensemble of Richmond.