Members
The Benedum Brass Quintet was originally made up of a few of us who played together as members of the Shinnston Community Band for several years. In late 2007, we decided to form a small quintet to play exclusively as a brass ensemble. Since that time, we have added new members as others have entered "emeritus" status (who are always welcome to return!).
Current Members:
Brian McKibben - Euphonium/Tuba
Originally from Parkersburg, WV, Brian grew up as a percussionist and pianist. He also plays violin and viola as well as electric bass. He started playing euphonium when his son, Nick, began playing cornet. Since then, he has acquired an Eb tuba. He has a minor in music from Brigham Young University and is currently working toward a full BA degree in Music. He is also a member of the Shinnston Community Band.
Nicholas McKibben - Cornet
Nicholas began playing cornet in fifth grade. He has since also learned to play most other brass instruments, drums, saxophone, and flute. Nick is currently in 11th grade at Bridgeport High School. He is a member of the BHS jazz band, the Shinnston Community Band, and is now in his second year as a trumpet player in the Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps. Not only this, but in addition to often assisting his father as a percussionist, he is the drummer for his band, Yttrium.
Joe Thomas - Double-belled Baritone
Joe has played his signature double-belled baritone for many years in the Shinnston Community Band.
Jason Burnside - Trumpet
Jason joined the Benedum Brass when Molly Thomas left for college. He graduated from Alderson-Broaddus College and has conducted the Shinnston Community Band. He is currently working on a Masters degree at West Virginia University.
Jesse Hartley - Trumpet
Jesse is another new member playing trumpet with the Benedum Brass. Currently in 11th grade at Bridgeport High School, he is also a member of the BHS jazz band and the Shinnston Community Band.
Russ McIntyre - Trombone
Russ is a graduate of Lincoln High School in Shinnston, WV. He was a WV All-State Trombonist in 1980 and went on to study low brass at West Virginia University under renowned trombonist Richard Powell. While there, he was also a member of the WVU Marching Band and several WVU ensembles such as the Jazz and Wind Ensembles as well as the ever-popular Trombone Ensemble. He has been an officer and member of the Shinnston Community Band since its inception in 1996.
Molly Thomas - Trumpet
Molly, a recent graduate of Bridgeport High School, is an accomplished trumpet player already. She is studying Music Education at West Virginia University.