"About the Santa's BrassS"

Individual Player's Bios

The Band's History

Testimonials

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History

The SIXUVUS was formed in 1972 by band leader Ron Smith. For the first 20 years the band performed exclusivly as a 6 piece group the (SIXUVUS). Currently the group performs as a 5 piece band but for smaller venues can perform as a 4 piece group, or for larger venues can be expanded to a 9 or more piece band. The Instrumentation of the 5 piece group is: 2 trumpets, trombone, tuba, and drums. The Instrumentation of the 4 piece group is: trumpet, trombone, tuba, and drums. The band is very mobile and can quickly move from one location to the next. If performing at a single setup, the drummer sits and uses a full drumset.

The band has performed in many locations and at a great variety of events encluding: marching in parades, performing at shopping malls, and leading in head tables at conventions.

The Band has a large selection of uniforms, but the Dixieland red and white vests, with black pants in winter and white in summer, are the most popular. Other uniforms include: Clown Suits, Santa Shirts, Mariachi Outfits, Sailor Shirts, and Tartan Jackets. All our costumes are available with a variety of shirts.

Our repertoire consist of over 400 tunes from: Dixieland, Beach Boys, Elvis, Swing, Mariachi, Ragtime, Show Tunes, Rock and Roll, German, Childrens, Nautical, Circus, Christmas, and Marches.

SANTA’S BRASS was formed in 1994 when leader Ron Smith decided that for the Christmas season the SIXUVUS would be known as "SANTA’S BRASS". We march Santa around the malls, entertain the children before Santa arrives, perform at breakfasts with Santa, and entertain the adults and children on board the Jingle Bell Express, moving from car to car as the train travels from North Vancouver to Squamish and back.

What ever the season, what ever the location, we have the costumes and the music selections to make any event you can imagine a success.

The SIXUVUS / SANTA’S BRASS has performed at:

Conventions

B.C. Lions Football Games

Cruise Ship Departuers

Cruises Around the Harbour

Pacific National Exhibition

Royal Hudson - Jingle Bell Express

*Bios*
	Ron Smith started playing the trumpet at the age of 8, later switching to the trombone. At the age of 15, he and his trombone joined the North Vancouver Schools' Band. When Ron's father, Art Smith, took over the Band, Ron switched to the tuba. Ron taught members of the band and conducted the beginner, junior, and intermediate bands until he retired in 1999. Ron has played in many groups including: the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the C.B.C. Radio Orchestra, the R.C.A.F 19th Wing Band, the H.M.C.S Discovery Band, the Royal Westminster Regiment Band, Art Smith's Concert Band, Dal Richards Concert and Marching bands, Arthur Delamont Concert Band, Ken Sotvedt's Concert Band, the B.C. Lions Marching Band, and the Pacific National Exhibition Strolling and Marching band, a band which Ron lead for over 20 years. Ron formed the SIXUVUS in 1972. You can telephone Ron Smith in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, at 604-929-3637 or press here to E-mail Ron Smith
Ron Smith (Leader) -- Tuba

	Gregg Hurst was born in Prince Rupert, on the north west coast of B.C. He began playing trumpet in grade seven in his elementary school band. By the time he reached grade 10 he had won awards at local and neighbouring music festivals. After graduating from high school, he attended UBC receiving his Masters degree in trumpet performance, as well as an Education degree. He has served as principal trumpet of the UBC Concert and Jazz Bands, the Okanagan Symphony, and the Vancouver Opera Orchestra. He has performed with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the CBC Radio Orchestra. He has played with the Dal Richards and Mart Kenny Jazz bands and is a regular member of the Preservation of Swing Big Band, and the Urbana Jazz Ensemble. He teaches private trumpet lessons and has instructed at the Vancouver Academy of Music. For the past twenty years Gregg has been the head of the Fine Arts Department of Sir Winston Churchill High School in Vancouver. Gregg became a member of the SIXUVUS in 1982. To E-mail Gregg Hurst
Gregg Hurst -- Trumpet

	Wayne Pettie started playing the trumpet at the age of 9 and for four years was a member of the Collingwood Community Band. In 1964 Wayne joined the Vancouver Youth Orchestra, and became principal trumpet. In 1966 Wayne joined the Kitsilano Boy's Band and played the Euphonium on the European tour. He changed to trumpet for Expo 67 in Montreal. The following year Wayne played lead Trumpet on the European tour with the Kitsilano Boy's Band. In 1969 he joined the Musician's Union, and since has played for many groups including those lead by Dal Richards, Bobby Hales, and Mart Kenny. From 1973 to 1975 Wayne played at the Oom Pa Pa. Wayne's studio recordings have included tracks for Charlotte Diamond. Wayne obtained a bachelor of music degree from U. B. C. in 1974 and has taught privately as an instructor at Douglas College. Wayne started teaching band in the public school system in 1977 and is presently teaching band in the North Vancouver Elementary School System. Wayne became a member of the SIXUVUS in 1981.
Wayne Pettie -- Trumpet

	Rob Fraser began his professional music career in Richmond at the age of thirteen. Throughout his career, he has scored, directed, and performed in a variety of venues including musicals, movies, T.V. shows, sports events, parades, dance dates, and other major productions. In the 60's Rob was an active member of Vancouver's famous Kitsilano Boy's Band, directed by Arthur W. Delamont. Rob was the musical director in the Red Barrel Room at the Hotel Vancouver in the late 60's. His group, "The Shades of Sound", was well known in the Vancouver night club scene. He performed on trombone, guitar, and vibraphone on the Roof at the Hotel Vancouver from 1970-1974. Well known in all Vancouver music circles, Rob currently plays for the Dal Richard's Orchestra and Ron Smith's SIXUVUS. Most recently, Rob was the featured trombone soloist on Dal Richard's latest CD, "A Tribute to the Crooners". Rob has played with the SIXUVUS since 1972. Watch for Rob's large rose coloured trombone bell whenever the SIXUVUS play at various events around the lower mainland.
Rob Fraser -- Trombone

	Gary Mussatto started playing the drums at the age of 10. He was a member of the North Vancouver Youth Band for 5 years and was lead drummer on the tour to Britain & Scotland. While attending Carson Graham High School he was chosen as the Canadian Allstar Honour Band Drummer. Gary has been a professional musician for over 20 years. Early in his career he studied drum set and mallet percussion with Dick Grove and Dave Garibaldi and worked the local Vancouver scene in various ensembles. He made two Canadian tours in show bands before meeting up with the director of entertainment with Princess Cruise Lines. Starting 1983, he spent the next 10 years travelling the world with 4 major cruise lines. He worked his way up to Music Director conducting shows and leading the show band. He appeared on 6 episodes of "The Love Boat" television series with Gavin McLeod, backing up musical acts such as Rosemary Clooney, Englebert Humperdink, and "Menudo" a group from Puerto Rico featuring a young Ricky Martin. In 1993 he returned to Vancouver where he performed both live and in studio, appearing on 6 CD's of local talent. He worked in the pit orchestra for "Show Boat" starring Cloris Leachman and Ned Beatty, and has performed with the Platters, the Coasters, and currently can be seen backing up recording artist Michael Bouble and Neil Diamond impersonator Bobby Bruce. Gary became a member of the SIXUVUS in 1981.
Gary Mussatto -- Drums

*Testimonials*
EATONS	December 28, 1982 "Dear Ron & Band Members: Wow! What a performance. It was a very successful breakfast. People continually commented on the entertainment provided at these breakfasts, and I must share some of these comments with you. "The SIXUVUS were super." "The band was really good - wish they had played longer." "Enjoyed the brass band." These comments say it all. Thank you and the best to all of you in '83" Sincerely yours, Patricia Robinson, Special Events


ROYAL HUDSON STEAM TRAIN SOCIETY	May 20, 1986 "Dear Ron Smith: The Board of Directors of the Royal Hudson Steam Train Society wish to thank you for contributing to the fun and gaity of the 13th Inaugural run on May 10th of this year. ... Again, may we extend a hearty 'Thank You'!, for the excellent music, appropriate selection and colorful costumes making this truly a memorable occasion." Yours truly, Frieda Davidson


VANCOUVER HOCKEY CLUB LTD	November 16,1999 "Dear Ron Smith: We would like to express our sincere thanks to you for your participation at the 1999 Canucks' Family Carnival.... Your participation added to the exciting and fun atmosphere at Carnival. You'll be pleased to know that we received several positive and enthusiastic comments on your behalf about the band! Ron, thank you for contributing to the success of Carnival and for your support of the Canuck Foundation." Sincerely, VANCOUVER HOCKEY CLUB LTD Veronica Varhaug, Manager, Community Relations


Pacific National Exhibition	September 5, 1990 "Dear Ron: On behalf of the management and staff, I would like to thank you for your participation in this year's "All-Time, Good-Time Fair". Your cotiribution has made a significant impact on our valued partons. ... We look forward to hearing from you in the future and thank you again for your support and co-operation. I remain," Sincerely, PACIFIC NATIONAL EXHIBITION, Eva Grozina, Manager, Entertainment & Attractions


The HEIGHTS Merchants Association	June 7, 2000 "Dear Ron: On behalf of the Heights Merchants Association, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for your participation in this year's Hats Off Day Parade and Festivities. Hats Off Day 2000 was again a very successful event. Approximately 25,000 people enjoyed a beautiful summer day watching the parade and partaking in the many things the Heights neighbourhood and commercial district has to offer. ... Ron, your band's enthusiasm contributed to the overwhelming success of this year's event.... Thank you once again for your talented participation!" Sincerely, Dawn Torroba, THE HEIGHTS MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION, Marketing & Promotions Coordinator


GILFORD TOWN CENTRE	November 24, 1986 "Dear Ron: Thanks for helping to make Santa's Arrival such a success. As usual the band was great, and kids and adults alike thoroughly enjoyed the performance. Thanks again." Yours truly, Hilary E. Wooller, Marketing Director, GUILDFORD TOWN CENTRE


BC RAIL	December 21, 1998 "Dear Ron: Thank you so much for helping make the Jingle Bell Express a huge success again this year.... the passengers and our staff enjoyed the entertainment your group provided. The extra effort by your group to keep our passengers entertained was greatly appreciated. It was a pleasure having you on board and we send you every good wish for 1999." Sincerely, Sally Chiang, Marketing & Sales Assistant, Passenger Services, BC RAIL


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