The Delta Brass Quintet is scheduled to perform at Williams Baptist University on Thursday, September 10, offering a free recital at Manley Chapel. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. and is open to the public.
The ensemble features five brass instrumentalists and a percussionist: John Bartelt, Robin Dauer, Eric Jackson, Zachary McCullough, John Long, and Ross Kerley. Each member brings a wealth of experience, contributing to the group’s reputation as accomplished performers with Arkansas roots.
John Bartelt, a founding member of the quintet, earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Arkansas State University in 1978. After teaching public school band for six years, he pursued a law degree from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock, graduating in 1987. Bartelt practiced law in Jonesboro for 33 years and currently resides and works in Sharp County.
Robin Dauer retired in 2018 after a 30-year career as Professor of Horn at Arkansas State University. He continues to perform with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and other regional ensembles, including the Delta Brass Quintet. He also plays tenor horn with British-style brass bands.
Eric Jackson, a lifelong resident of Northeast Arkansas, is the current band director at Buffalo Island Central High School. A graduate of Trumann High School, Jackson earned his Bachelor of Music Education (BME) degree in 2017 from Arkansas State University. He actively performs as a trumpeter in the Jonesboro area.
Trombonist Zachary McCullough works as an educator in the Paragould School District, where he is in his fifth year of teaching. A graduate of the University of Memphis with a BME degree, McCullough is an active clinician and has served in leadership roles for regional band and jazz programs.
John Long, a Newport native and a 1987 Arkansas State University graduate, brings decades of musical and teaching experience. He has taught at Walnut Ridge School District for 35 years and has performed with the Delta Symphony Orchestra for over 40 years. Long also served as director of bands at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas during a two-year stint.
Finally, Ross Kerley, an electrical engineer specializing in satellite power supply design, performs on both tuba and trombone. A University of Central Florida alumnus, Kerley has played with groups such as the Glenn Miller Orchestra and Brass Band of Central Florida. Now residing in Jonesboro, he performs with several regional ensembles, including Grind City Brass Band.
The community is encouraged to attend the September 10 performance at WBU to witness the talents of these six accomplished musicians.