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Encore Brass began in fall of 1977 as a quintet, and has been a non profit 501(c)3 organization since 1983. Membership averages fifteen players, and the group plays pieces with as few as five parts and as many as twenty. Generally, instrumentation is 4 trumpets, 3 French horns, 3 trombones, 2 euphoniums, tuba and percussion.

Founding members include Glenn Taylor (conductor) and Ruthanne Bennett (French horn), still active with the group. The musicians are teachers, engineers, booksellers, managers and retired individuals meeting together to play brass repertoire. Besides the chance to play an extensive range of brass music, the group is dedicated to having fun!

The group rehearses on Tuesday nights in southeast Portland, and performs at retirement homes, festivals, community activities, farmer's markets and church services. Members donate their time and expertise. Any funds raised support group expenses.

Repertoire performed includes classical transcriptions, brass band music, jazz arrangements, Christmas music, pop and Americana pieces, and German waltzes and polkas.