The Upper Cumberland’s Southern Stars Symphonic Brass has been named Tennessee’s official brass band.
Southern Stars has been performing for almost two decades. Founder Dwight Wages said the band has also represented the area during a national performance at the Great American Brass Band Festival. Wages said he spoke with Rep. Cameron Sexton and Sen. Paul Bailey about the band’s work in supporting school music programs, which led to the recognition.
“It kind of demonstrates that we’ve been on the track that I organized the group as,” Wages said. “To continue to provide good music in the area, to be recognized in the region. And nationally, which we have been, since we’ve been performing at events that are invitation only.”
Wages says the recognition feels like a pat on the back, and he hopes it encourages people to come to Southern Stars Brass shows.
“We’re always looking to find new people to come and hear us who don’t really know what the Southern Stars Brass Band is,” Wages said. “And if they come, we would be surprised if they wouldn’t be quite surprised about having a group as recognizable and they exist right under their nose here in the Upper Cumberland.”
Wages hopes his band will continue to build on their legacy, and they love performing. Wages says a lively crowd makes the show more enjoyable for the band.
“You can’t exist if you don’t have an audience,” Wages said.
The Southern Stars Symphonic Band will perform their show, “Lollipops and Cracker Jacks,” on Sunday, May 4th at 3 at Stone Memorial High School. Wages says the show has a variety of music, including circus marches and movie theme songs.
