Shrewd Brass – Profile Review
Date: September 2025
Genre: Brass Ensemble, Roving, Educational, Interactive Comedy-Music
Reviewer: Jasmine
Shrewd Brass Review
There’s a spark to Shrewd Brass that feels playful and bold in equal measure. This Melbourne-based brass ensemble, born from the Victorian College of the Arts in 1988, has evolved into a nimble and energetic group whose performances mix music, humour, education, and crowd engagement. Over thirty years later, they continue to maintain a surprising freshness—whether roaming through an event, performing for schools, or delivering concert sets.
What strikes you first is their versatility. Shrewd Brass doesn’t confine itself to a single mode. They perform in concert halls, rove through event spaces, and lead workshops for school audiences. Their school shows in particular are described as “high velocity, informative, and fun,” guiding students through brass instrument mechanics and tone while exploring musical genres from jazz to classical to rock.
In a roving or event context, Shrewd Brass injects humour and surprise. They move among guests, sometimes in character, sometimes through musical banter, always with energy. Their interactive approach means even reserved guests are drawn in. The musicians play with swagger but also a sense of lightness; they’re there to delight, not to dominate. That balance is hard to strike, but Shrewd Brass seems to manage it often.
The musical chops aren’t secondary. The ensemble comprises some of Melbourne’s leading freelance brass performers. Their arrangements are tight and their transitions smooth—whether leaping between styles or taking a moment to breathe in quieter passages. Their repertoire is broad, touching classical roots one moment, skipping into jazz inflection the next, or invoking popular themes. It’s that genre-hopping which keeps audiences on their toes and prevents the show from feeling predictable.
One of their strengths is the way they build connections. They understand that in roving or ambient settings, not everyone is paying full attention. So they stage moments—fanfare brass, musical jokes, call-and-response lines—designed to pull ears toward them. Their musicians step into playful roles, making quips, inviting singalongs or clap beats, or improvising to respond to crowd energy. It’s theatre plus brass, not just brass playing with show lights.
Given their long history, Shrewd Brass brings experience to handle variety. They’ve played in Australia and Singapore and worked in school programs and public spaces. Their longevity suggests they know how to pace shows, manage logistics, and keep audiences engaged over time. That maturity gives confidence: even spontaneous moments feel intentional.
That said, the very breadth of what they attempt can bring challenges. In large open venues with ambient noise or limited amplification, some of the subtler parts of their musicality may get lost. Also, because they pivot between concert, roving, and educational formats, the “mode” must be chosen carefully to suit each event’s mood. A full theatrical concert set may shine brighter than a roving “surprise brass moment” in a bustling reception hall, but Shrewd Brass offers both options.
Overall, Shrewd Brass offers something rare: a brass ensemble that isn’t bound by traditional concert expectations, but is adventurous, playful, and deeply musical. For event planners who want more than just background brass—or schools that want an engaging educational show—they deliver both substance and sparkle. In the hands of this ensemble, brass is not just an impressive sound—it’s a story, a laugh, and a shared musical moment.
Act Highlights
- Founded in 1988 at the Victorian College of the Arts; now a seasoned brass ensemble with international performances.
- Strong across formats: concert, roving, workshops / school shows.
- Interactive, comedic elements mixed with solid musicality and arrangements.
- Broad repertoire: classical, jazz, rock, popular themes.
- Skilled at staging moments of surprise or fanfare in ambient event settings.
Suitable for these events: Awards Nights, Corporate Functions, Festivals, Expos, School Workshops, Public Events, Concerts, Roving Entertainment
Audience Type: Great for diverse crowds—families, event guests, school students, corporate attendees—especially those who appreciate a mix of musical flair and interactive presentation.
