A Jazz Journey for Brass; Free Concert in Rockville Oct 19
Let the Rockville Brass Band take you on a journey through the jazz classics at a free concert October 19th. Our program samples jazz across time and styles. It includes Duke Ellington’s languid Mood Indigo (1931); Blue Rondo a la Turk, Dave Brubeck’s (1959) exploration of the rhythms of Istanbul; and the multi-melodic Birdland, composed by jazz-fusion master Joe Zawinul (1977) of the Weather Report. These and other works on the program transform our British-style brass band into a bouncing bouncing big band with a jazz spirit. Admission to the concert is free. It takes place at 2pm on October 19th at Richard Montgomery Sr. High School.
The Rockville Brass Band is supported in part by...
Jermaine B. Fryer
Acting Music Director
Jermaine B. Fryer has established himself as a conductor, musician, and educator throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Since 2022, he has served as Assistant Music Director of the Rockville Brass Band, where he conducts rehearsals, prepares repertoire, and assists with programming and artistic leadership. His work with the ensemble reflects his commitment to both the rich traditions of brass band repertoire and the exploration of contemporary works.
An active conductor and clinician, Jermaine has directed rehearsals and performances with the University of Maryland Brass Ensemble, UMBC Wind Ensemble, and UMBC Symphony Orchestra, and has coached brass and wind sectionals across middle school, high school, and collegiate programs. Known for his collaborative approach and strong musical insight, he has been invited to work with developing musicians throughout the region, helping ensembles achieve artistic growth and excellence.
As a performer, Jermaine is equally at home on trombone, euphonium, and tuba, with experience in both classical and jazz settings. He has performed with ensembles including the Fort Washington Symphonic Winds, University of Maryland Community Band, University of Maryland Wind Orchestra, Rockville Brass Band, Category 5 Wind Ensemble, and UMBC Brass Quintet. His performance career has taken him to prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center, Dekelboum Concert Hall, and stages across Beijing and Xi’an as part of the 2008 Beijing Olympics Tour, as well as colleges and concert halls throughout the United States.
Jermaine holds a Bachelor of Arts in Euphonium Performance from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and dual Master of Music degrees in Performance and Music Education with an emphasis in Wind Conducting from the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University. His principal teachers include Dr. Elizabeth Palmer, Dr. Steve Kellner, and Brian Kaufman (euphonium); Patrick Crossland (bass trombone); and Dr. E. Michael Richards and Dr. Harlan Parker (conducting).
Dedicated to inspiring musicians at every level, Jermaine continues to balance his work as a conductor, educator, and performer, bringing passion, artistry, and vision to every ensemble he leads.
Second Section Winner
North American Brass Band Association
2017 & 2018
Overall 2nd Place
Dublin Festival of Brass
2023
""The Rockville Brass Band is a great community of people who come together to create incredible music"
-Current Member
“The concert was engaging from start to finish. The players were incredibly responsive and the conductor led the ensemble with musical nuance"
-Audience Member