Benson Brass Collective Concert in the Garden - Aug 23, 2025

BENSON BRASS COLLECTIVE 

CONCERT IN THE MAC COMMUNITY GARDEN

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 7PM   $23

Bring you chair!  Bring a beverage,snack!  Enjoy the wonderful outdoor atmosphere in the Garden!

The Benson Brass Collective (BBC) is an exciting new brass ensemble formed in 2024 whose repertoire is eclectic and diverse - everything from Bach to the Beatles and beyond. The group looks forward to its two upcoming shows at the MAC: a Garden Concert on the evening of August 23 (pop, jazz, and light music) and a Gallery Concert (mostly classical) on the afternoon of October 26.

While essentially a standard brass quintet, the concept of a ‘brass collective’ leaves the door open to other possible collaborations and combinations. For these two concerts, the Benson Brass Collective will include:

Derrick Milton (Trumpet), an active member of the music scene on Salt Spring Island and Vancouver Island, and Foothills Brass. As well as being a professional musician, Derrick has had a 35-year career as a veterinarian on Salt Spring and in the Cowichan Valley.

Ed Wasiak (Trumpet), a retired professor of music education from the University of Lethbridge, author of “THE” book on teaching instrumental music in Canadian schools, and long-time performer and conductor in a variety of musical genres. He performed for twenty seasons as a regular member of the Regina and Lethbridge Symphony Orchestras. Currently, he also performs with the Georgia Strait Big Band, Musica Decorus, and the Oceanside Concert Band.

Basil McCormick (French horn) is an avid musical hobbyist and very capable horn player who wisely (??!) abandoned his music degree to pursue a career as a lawyer. While living in Cranbrook he performed with the Symphony of the Kootenays.

Andrew Clayden (Trombone) is a former member of the Quebec Symphony and professor of trombone at the Quebec City Conservatory. Recent projects include Purple Kush’n, Nanaimo Musician’s Association Big Band, and the Vancouver Island Symphony.

Nancy Cox (Tuba) retired from her career as a high school music teacher after 32 years teaching in the Comox Valley. She is former member of Quintessence Brass Quintet, and now an active musical theatre performer and music director.

These busy musicians perform with and have performed with many other groups. Together, they have accumulated several lifetimes of musical credentials and experiences. Their performances are engaging and entertaining and sure to please listeners with a wide range of musical tastes.

Links to promotional videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQflHimvHrA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUSUMS3Kmm4