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The

Bushel 0' Brass (Bo'B) Quartet of Eb alto horns (AKA peckhorns*) located in Northern New Jersey. Note: Although the music is usually scored for four parts, the number of players ranges from 3 to 8 (A peck-shy-of-a-bushel up to two full bushels.) The sound of the group is suited for background music at any small, not-too-formal gathering. Much of the music is done in the barbershop style and includes tunes from the era associated with the origins of barbershop, however the ever-growing repertoire includes a wide range of styles and tunes. Requests for specific tunes can be honored if sufficient advance notice is given. We've performed at private dinner parties, a town park opening, a nutrition center, nursing homes, Christmas carolling in various communities. (We will also do wakes, supermarket openings, ice cream socials, dogfights, etc., virtually any venue that will not include the throwing of overripe fruit.) Membership is by invitation (interested persons should inquire). Ages of group now range from 18 to 65, and include a wide range of career and musical backgrounds. Originally founded in 1996 with 3 peck horns and one baritone, it has now grown into an all-peckhorn group that practices and performs regularly. For more information and bookings, contact topbrass@bushelobrass.com

*(four pecks = one bushel, hence: Bushel o' Brass))

WHERE WE GET OUR MUSIC

We are constantly adding to our repertoire of music. Our prolific arranger, Professor Jack, has our music library packed with over 400 selections, and adds to the number on a weekly basis. There's no telling where the insanity will end.
In addition to the Professor's arrangements, we are downloading some music from the internet.
If you are interested in downloading music, check the website below. If you are interested in some of the Professor's work, email us topbrass@bushelobrass.com

RECENT DOIN'S IN PECKHORNVILLE

We are constantly adding to our repertoire of music. Our prolific arranger, Professor He's never actually admitted it, but we suspect that Jack is still trying for an arrangement that we can play properly. It seems like a fruitless task for him, although we are occasionally able to bring a smile to his discerning face (which is better than the looks we usually get.)

At a recent rehearsal, we set up a recorder and recorded a few numbers. The sound quality isn't great, but if you've never heard a peck horn, give a listen to one of these:
Near My God to Thee Yellow Bird Hello Dolly Blue Moon Someone to Watch Over Me

TWAS A WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS.....
by Mr. Hooey, grateful (??) audience,
(Shown at right, holding Wand of Welcome)
A week before Christmas I was watching the telly,
While munching on pretzels to fill up my belly;
The fire in the hearth sent out a warm glow
As joys of the season abundantly flow.
The dogs lay asleep in front of the fire,
While carols on the TV from famed Mormon Choir,
I closed weary eyes and curled up in my chair,
A noise permeated the chill winter air!
I mumbled an oath and cursed at my wife:
"Did you ever hear a noise like that in your life?"
A din from outdoors, a plethora of song,
A mighty crescendo of notes right and wrong!
We opened the portal and there on the stoop
In full Christmas dress stood a small peck-horn group
A-blowing away a melodious tune,
A carol of the season under bright winter moon.
The blend of the tones, delightful to hear
Did waft through the air to fall on each ear.
A smile crossed my face, a thought did inspire:
"How nice of these people, this lovely brass choir
to grace our abode on this cold winter night
with songs of the season, a true holiday sight."

We thank you so much for the concert that night
And hope tht ol' Santa will treat you just right.
And so we'll look forward and hope that you might
Come by and play carols on a cold winter's night!

Artistic Offering by an ananomous recipient of Bo'B caroling:

He squealed with delight at the Dickensian sight
Of a peckhorn consort on the stoop
Delight beyond reason
As songs of the season
Did waft from the horns of this group

He rushed to the door as the pure notes did pour
From the bells made of glistening brass
"What the hell are you doin'?
Your rears I'll be chewin'
You guys are a pain in the ass!"

For I sat by the fire as my eyelids did tire
Not a worry or care on my mind
Suddenly awakened
My nerves are a-shakin'
It will take me a month to unwind!

Don't feel obligation to find my location
When next caroling season comes 'round
Unless you appear
With your shiny brass gear
I'll be hiding six feet under ground!!

2002 Edition of the Bushel 0' Brass

2007 Edition of the Bushel o' Brass

2008 Edition of the Bushel o' Brass

2009 Edition of the Bushel o' Brass

2009 Edition of the Bushel o' Brass

Please send questions or comments about this website to: topbrass@bushelobrass.com

To send a message to Radio WLVR, use: WLVR@bushelobrass.com