Brian Kaufman '10 MM Directs Debut Album, Brass for Uncommon Times, Featuring Fellow Alumni

NEC alumnus Brian Kaufman '10 MM has released the debut self titled album of Brass for Uncommon Times on Naxos. Kaufman, who completed his Master of Music in Conducting at NEC under the guidance of conducting faculty members including Charles Peltz, is now Chair of the Department of Music at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Reflecting on the social and political shifts of our era, from global conflicts and the pandemic to environmental degradation, the release features several world premiere recordings offering a message of redemptive hope and civic unity.

The project proudly highlights a strong lineup of NEC talent, including trumpet player Chris Ferrari '93 MM (retired from “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band), trombonist Katie Franke '22 and percussionist Alexander Garde '20 (both active members of “The President’s Own”), percussionist Fran Vielma '16 MM (faculty at Peabody Conservatory), and assistant producer Michael Reichman '11 MM.

Earning critical praise from Pizzicato for its “virtuosity and aplomb” and BBC Music Magazine for uniting top musicians into powerful forces, the album marks another landmark achievement for Kaufman, a long time champion of new music, community engagement, and social impact arts initiatives like The Sounding Board.

Amazing work, Brian!