Meet the Musicians: Tubas on Tap | Jan 21

Meet the Musicians: Tubas on Tap

January 21 | Footnote Coffee & Cocktails

Piedmont Wind Symphony is thrilled to bring together an exceptional group of low-brass artists and a percussionist whose careers span performance, education, and leadership across North Carolina and beyond. This intimate, high-energy program celebrates the power, versatility, and personality of low brass—served up in a relaxed, community-centered setting.

The Low End: Basses Covered in Tubas on Tap

Founded in 2016 by Triad-area musicians and college professors, this all-low brass group plays your favorite hits… lower than you’ve ever heard before! Featuring a lineup of euphoniums, tubas, sousaphone, and drumset, BASSES COVERED Brass Band covers everything from pop and classic rock to polkas and soundtracks. A typical BASSES COVERED set could range from Black Sabbath to Bach to Back in Black to Beer Barrel Polka!

BASSES COVERED Brass Band is a regular performer at bars and breweries across NC from Mebane to Black Mountain. Members present and past of BASSES COVERED have been instructors and administrators at some of the most prestigious music schools in the state, including UNC Greensboro, UNC School of the Arts, Winston-Salem State, Wake Forest, and High Point University. Many of the current members of BASSES COVERED also perform with the Piedmont Wind Symphony, BrassIMPACT!, and the NC Brass Band. 

BASSES COVERED Brass Band presents shows that are entertaining for the whole family and customizable for holiday events. Audience participation is encouraged, so grab a pint (or cup of coffee) and join in on the fun with BASSES COVERED Brass Band!

Meet the Musicians

Josh Jones, Euphonium

Josh Jones is a freelance brass player and instructor based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He began playing trombone in seventh grade but soon discovered that the euphonium was his true musical passion. Since 2014, Josh has served as Solo Baritone with the North Carolina Brass Band and has also performed with the Queen City Brass Band, Charlotte Concert Band, Carolina Wind Orchestra, Carolinas Wind Symphony, and Western Piedmont Symphony.

Josh earned his Master of Music in Euphonium Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he studied with Dr. Dennis Askew. During his time at UNCG, he served as principal euphonium in the wind ensemble for five years, was a member of the tuba-euphonium ensemble, performed numerous solo recitals, and was a winner of the 2008 UNCG Concerto Competition.

In addition to performing, Josh maintains an active teaching schedule, offering private lessons and masterclasses throughout the region. Outside of music, he enjoys spending time with his daughter Paige, his dog Gracie, and being outdoors.

Dr. Brian Meixner, Euphonium

Dr. Brian Meixner is a conductor, educator, arts administrator, and distinguished euphonium performer. He currently serves as Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Studies at High Point University, where he conducts the Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, teaches low brass, and oversees the university’s instrumental program.

Dr. Meixner is also the Founder, Music Director, and Executive Director of the North Carolina Brass Band, an organization dedicated to advancing the brass band tradition through innovative programming, community engagement, and educational outreach. Under his leadership, the ensemble has achieved regional, national, and international recognition.

He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Euphonium Performance from the University of North Texas, with a related field in conducting, and a Bachelor of Business Management, bringing a unique blend of artistic vision and strategic leadership to his work. Dr. Meixner is an active guest conductor and clinician across the United States and is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of musicians and arts leaders.

Dr. Justin Worley, Tuba

Dr. Justin Worley is an active performer, conductor, and educator and a former faculty member at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he served as Lecturer of Tuba and Euphonium. In that role, he taught applied lessons and repertoire classes, directed the UNCG TubaBand, and served as Director of Athletic Bands, conducting the Bands of Sparta at events throughout North Carolina.

Justin maintains a strong interest in electronic music and music-related technologies and has taught and overseen coursework in these areas. In addition to his work in music, he is also a software engineer, bringing a unique blend of technical expertise and artistic perspective to his professional career. As a performer, he is a member of the North Carolina Brass Band and can be heard on their recordings First in Flight and Christmas Wrapped in Brass. He has also performed as a substitute tubist with the Asheville Symphony, Alabama Symphony, LaGrange Symphony (GA), Boston Civic Symphony, and the Wellesley Symphony (MA).

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Worley earned his Bachelor of Music from Columbus State University, Master of Music from Boston University, and Doctor of Musical Arts from UNC Greensboro.

Avery Greene, Tuba

Avery Greene is a Winston-Salem–based performer and educator and a rising voice in the low-brass world. He holds a Bachelor of Music from UNCSA and a Graduate Artist Certificate, having studied with Seth Horner and Dr. Brent Harvey.

Avery has performed with Piedmont Wind Symphony, UNCSA Wind Ensemble, UNCSA Symphony Orchestra, and the North Carolina Brass Band. He is the winner of the 2024 SERTEC Tuba Artist Solo Competition and teaches K–12 students through ArtistCorp in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County.

Dr. Will-Gray Beach, Sousaphone

Dr. Will-Gray Beach is an active performer and educator with a passion for both traditional and innovative low-brass repertoire. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Furman University and a Master’s and Doctorate in Music Performance from UNC Greensboro.

Dr. Beach has performed at venues including Carnegie Hall, Meymandi Concert Hall, SERTEC, and ITEC, and has appeared under the baton of composers such as Frank Ticheli and John Mackey. His work frequently highlights contemporary and experimental music for low brass. He currently serves as Assistant Professor of Music at Campbell University and recently completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Conducting from UNC School of the Arts.

Colin Choat, Drumset

Colin Choat is the percussion instructor for the Wake Forest University Athletic Bands and band director at Lewisville Middle School. A former member of Drum Corps International and Winter Guard International ensembles, Colin is also an active performer with Piedmont Wind Symphony and ensembles throughout Northwest North Carolina.

Tubas on Tap is a celebration of the low end—its power, lyricism, rhythm, and range. Join us on January 21, 6:00PM at Footnote to experience the bass voices that move the music forward.