Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings Celebrates the Season with Two Holiday Brass Concerts
DETROIT (November 18 2025) — Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings (DCWS) invites audiences to celebrate the holidays at its annual Holiday Brass concerts, part of the organization’s Signature Series. The performances take place Friday, December 5 at 7 p.m. at Kirk in the Hills in Bloomfield Hills and Saturday, December 13 at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew’s & St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Detroit.
Holiday Brass has been a Detroit tradition since 1983, combining brass and choirs in festive programs that blend beloved carols with inventive new arrangements. Conductor Scott Boerma leads the ensemble, joined by the Ann Arbor Pioneer High School A Cappella Choir for the Dec. 5 concert and by the Stoney Creek High School Choir and Madrigal Chorale for the Dec. 13 performance. The Ann Arbor Pioneer High School A Cappella Choir is under the direction of Steven R. Lorenz, and the Stoney Creek High School Choir and Madrigal Chorale are under the direction of Dr. Brandon Ulrich.
The program features traditional favorites such as Adeste Fideles and Joy to the World, as well as newer works like Three Christmas Motets by Brandon Ulrich and A Prelude and Fugue for Christmas by Simon Wills. These selections highlight the energy, warmth, and versatility of the brass ensemble alongside the richness of the student and community choirs.
“Holiday Brass has always been about more than just music,” said Scott Boerma. “It’s about community—musicians and audiences coming together to share joy, reflection, and the spirit of the season.”
The 2025 Holiday Brass ensemble includes trumpeters Mike McGowan, Amanda Ross, Natalia Vela, and Robert White; hornist Scott Strong; trombonists Garth Simmons, Gracie Potter, and Ian Maser; bass trombonist Adam Rainey; tubist David Zerkel; and percussionist Jason Ihnat.
Performance Sponsors:
- December 5 (Bloomfield Hills): Center for Financial Planning and Kathleen Block
- December 13 (Detroit): Pearl Planning and Butzel
Tickets are available at detroitchamberwinds.org or by calling 248-559-2095.
General Admission $32 | Senior $27 | Student $10
About Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings
Founded in 1982, Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings (DCWS) is a musician-driven nonprofit that showcases premier regional talent through innovative chamber performances in unique venues. Now in its 44th season, DCWS continues to explore the season theme Hear • Here, inviting audiences to listen deeply and experience the power of chamber music in the community.