Acclaim

Axiom Brass is recognized by conductors, composers, presenters, educators, students, and critics for its world-class artistry, chamber-music sensitivity, and deep commitment to education and community engagement. Here is a selection of what people are saying.

From the Music World

“The Axiom Brass Quintet is committed to honest and serious music-making at the highest level. Their chamber-music sensibility reflects the tradition of the most venerable and respected string quartets, even as the group displays a unique and compelling aesthetic around passionate and poetic brass performance.”
Cliff Colnot, Conductor, Civic Orchestra of Chicago / Award-winning Composer
“…beauty and fullness of tone, precise intonation, virtuosic technique, expressive dynamic range, and stylistic flexibility. Axiom commands a repertoire ranging from Early Music and Renaissance to the most challenging contemporary compositions of today, not to mention a fluency in the jazz idiom that puts most ensembles to shame… It is rare to find an ensemble possessing such artistic qualities also so devoted to education and outreach in its community, but this quintet is such an ensemble.”
Christopher Martin, Principal Trumpet, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
“I have had the pleasure of working with Axiom Brass for many years in many capacities. They are world-class artists and collaborative colleagues! I gladly offer my highest recommendation…. Your ensembles and audiences will love them and find them inspiring!”
Mallory Thompson, Director of Bands, Northwestern University / Northshore Concert Band
“It has been my great pleasure to collaborate with the Axiom Brass Quintet at Tanglewood for the past several summers. They are all wonderful musicians and terrific teachers. The performances when they have been soloists have been highlights of the summer.”
H. Robert Reynolds, Internationally renowned conductor

From Presenters

“From the moment they stepped on stage to the final standing ovation the group proved their experience, talent and personality. Their level of playing was superb and equal to the many great musicians who have played on our festival stage.”
Tracy Jacobson, Executive Director, Grand Teton Music Festival
“[Axiom Brass] has quickly become one of the most popular tickets of the presenting series in Nichols Concert Hall… I have no doubt that any presenting venue would benefit from adding Axiom Brass to the series roster. The level of their professionalism, technical skill and musicianship is truly superior.”
Fiona Queen, Director of Performance Activities, Nichols Concert Hall – Music Institute of Chicago
“Your professionalism and talent is remarkable, and we were so proud to present you as the Fischoff Educator Prize Winners. People around campus are still talking about it! We have had rave reviews… I am in Axiom withdrawal!”
Pam O’Rourke, Fischoff National Chamber Music Association

From Educators

“Words cannot express how pleased I was with their joyful performance and the delight of our students… Their dedication to music and enthusiasm for music-making was exuberantly transmitted to our students as they presented their diverse repertoire… They augmented the performance with lively explanations, background information, and a patient and informative question-and-answer session.”
Denise Y. Knox, K–8 Music Teacher, LaSalle Language Academy
“We always need to raise the bar, and the only way to do that is to see how high it can go! You guys certainly showed us that!”
Russell Hilton, Band Director, L’Anse Creuse High School

From Students

“Being able to listen to the Axiom Brass has gotten me past that brick wall and they have inspired me to go beyond what I have ever thought I could go. The Axiom Brass is by far the best brass quintet I have ever heard!”
Travis Hempel, Axiom Brass Seminar Student
“This was by far the best music camp I’ve ever attended. I learned so much not only about music for a concert but music for my whole life. I truly believe my playing has gotten to a point that would normally have taken me months to get to… All of you taught me things I won’t ever forget.”
Liza R. Zumbrunnen, Axiom Brass Seminar Student

From the Press

“These Axiom guys were the bomb!”
Gayle Williams, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
“This fresh-faced quintet… made a bold statement by the way they tackled a tricky assortment of works… Chamber music and brass fans would do themselves a great service by keeping an eye out for this standout group of musicians.”
Edward Ortiz, San Francisco Classical Voice
“As far as champions go, the genre could do worse.”
Jonathan Rayfield, Chicago Splash Magazine
“Unquestioningly, this is a very fine ensemble… their top-notch musicianship and warm, easy rapport with the audience — and with each other — made for a really nice, and thoroughly entertaining, performance.”
Arlene Bachanov, The Daily Telegram, Adrian, MI