The WSO Brass Quintet is a 5-member ensemble that can bring its unique take on classics, pops and patriotic favorites to your special event.
The Quintet is currently booking dates for 2022 and beyond. If you’d like to discuss what the Quintet can bring to your wedding, festival or other special event, email info@washsym.org or call 724-223-9796 and leave a message.
Personnel:
Chris Campus – Trumpet
Chris Campus has been playing trumpet since he was 11 years old. Upon graduating high school in 2009, he attended California University of Pennsylvania to study Mathematics and continued his love for music by minoring in it. At Cal U, Chris participated regularly in the University Concert, Marching, and Jazz ensembles under the batons of Max Gonano and Dr. Marty Sharer. During his final year at Cal U, Chris was asked to take a seat in the Washington Symphony Orchestra by Dr. Yugo Ikach and has been a member ever since. Chris has studied trumpet with Pittsburgh musicians Wesley Ward, Matt Pienkowski and the late Frank Podroskey. He is the grandson of the late Joe Campus, who was known for his jazz and big band arrangements. Chris currently resides in Irwin, Pennsylvania with his wife.
Brennan Paulsen – Tuba
Brennan Paulsen is a tuba player originally from Bemidji, Minnesota. He is a recent graduate from Bemidji State University where he studied tuba performance under Curtis Olson. Brennan is currently continuing his education at Duquesne University under the direction of James Gourlay. He has performed a wide variety solo repertoire by Vaughn Williams, Broughton, as well as many other works for solo tuba. Brennan performs frequently with his peers, other ensembles, and with this group.
Brian Fulton – French Horn
Brian Fulton has been with the WSO since 2007 where he serves as Principal horn. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Duquesne University. During his military career, Brian was promoted to Assistant Professor of the U.S. Armed Forces School of Music and continued his duty playing with the First U.S. Army Band in Fort Meade, MD. Brian has also played with the American Wind Symphony, Brass Unlimited, Edgewood Symphony and Pittsburgh Civic Symphony. Brian has served as the Director of the Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church Wind Ensemble. A member of American Federation of Musicians, Local 592, Brian works as Service Coordinator at Progressive Mobility and Medical in Washington, PA. He lives in Canonsburg with his wife Lori and his two sons.
Matt Pienkowski – Trumpet
Matt Pienkowski joined the WSO as principal trumpet in spring of 2006. He actively freelances and has played with many groups around the greater Pittsburgh area including Wheeling Symphony, Westmoreland Symphony, Canton Symphony, and many churches. Matt holds degrees from West Virginia University and Carnegie Mellon University. Matt’s primary teachers have included Neal Berntsen, George Vosburgh, John Winkler, David Hickman, Paul Weber and Micah Wilkinson. He resides in Greensburg with his wife Christina and their two cats Gibbs and Jack.
Rick Porter – Trombone
Rick has been playing trombone with the WSO since 2005, being named Principal in 2011. He studied with Glory Getty and Glenn Wayland of the River City Brass in high school. Rick has also studied with Christian Dickenson at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, as well as with Dr. Tom Gibson. Rick has also performed with Frank Podroskey and the Pittsburgh Big Band Legends, East Winds Symphonic Band and Wayne Macuga Big Band. In addition to his duties with the WSO and the WSO Brass Quintet, he also sings with the Pan Orthodox Choir of Pittsburgh under the direction of V. Rev. Thomas Soroka and is Chief Bell Ringer at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in McKees Rocks, PA. Rick lives in the Brookline neighborhood of Pittsburgh with his wife Susan and cat Slatka.