Life & Work with Becky Wilkins of The Denver Brass

Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Wilkins.

Hi Becky, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Like many musicians, I started playing piano when I was five years old. In elementary school, I joined the band and played the French horn, an instrument no one else chose. I came from a small band program, so I didn’t get to experience a horn studio or even a private teacher, like many young musicians who ultimately make a career of music.
When I was accepted to the University of Denver, I thought I’d be pre-law or international studies. I took choir as an elective and realized it was the only class that brought me joy, so I decided to switch my focus and major in music. I also continued in DU’s Pioneer Leadership Program and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and with two minors in Business Administration and Leadership Studies.

The Denver brass music world is small, and many of my DU music professors also worked in the industry. While studying music, I caught the attention of Kathy Brantigan, the founder of The Denver Brass, who was a tuba instructor and Chair of the Brass Department. I stood out to her after I had organized a ski day at Loveland Ski Area for the brass department, which she attended. I coordinated everything from lift tickets, rentals, and some après-ski food. My senior year, Kathy brought me on as an intern at The Denver Brass and when I graduated, she hired me full-time. I have been at The Denver Brass for the entirety of my 15-year career.

Kathy would say that I was her “retirement plan,” and her goal was to make me Executive Director, and so far, that holds true. To prepare for the role, I went back to school to earn my Master of Business Administration from CU Denver with a specialized degree in Sports and Entertainment Management.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The pandemic was by far the most difficult thing I have faced in this role. It posed a lot of interesting leadership challenges. We had staff turnover, reductions and illnesses, and at times I was the only one keeping everything together.

We knew we had to figure out a way to keep our musicians, our fans, the community and our board, engaged. We asked ourselves: “How do we continue doing this – playing music and bringing joy to audiences – when the model we are used to of performing in front of live audiences is gone?” We knew how important the power of music was and how needed it was for the community and the musicians, so we quickly pivoted. We held virtual concerts as soon as we could, streaming live from Bethany Lutheran Church, one of our regular performance venues. By July 2020, we held our first socially distanced, audience-less concert that we livestreamed. That concert really uplifted everyone and motivated us to keep streaming. Denver Brass committed to a fully virtual 2020-2021 season. We scheduled seven concerts and were constantly adapting as the pandemic requirements changed and evolved. In all honesty, we wanted to put on concerts and to bring music to people in their homes if they couldn’t come to us. It was complicated bringing audiences back and navigating all the health guidelines, but it was worth it to finally hear applause in our concert halls again.

It wasn’t easy but we came through the pandemic a stronger organization. Today, we’re still committed to producing a high-quality artistic product and creating meaningful, memorable experiences for our audiences. We’ve learned to be nimble and be ready for the unexpected, and that no matter how dark life may seem, that art and music will always lift us up.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What I love about my job is that it allows me to balance both sides of my brain. On the one hand I get to plan concerts, create show flow and design, and collaborate on artistic programming – that feeds my creative side. On the other hand, I manage budgets, spreadsheets and logistics which satisfies my love of organization and structure. I’m lucky to be surrounded by creative people while doing the kind of detailed work that I enjoy, which feeds my soul. Denver Brass is comprised of the greatest people, and I am constantly awe-struck that I get to work and collaborate with such remarkable and talented individuals.

The Denver Brass is unique in so many ways, from its instrumentation, show design, and repertoire, to name a few. Denver Brass has always been female led, a rarity in the brass world, which is typically male dominated. The Denver Brass was founded in 1981 fueled by Kathy’s desire to play tuba with her husband, Chuck. They built an ensemble – and the organization – around the two of them playing tuba, which is unique. Kathy led the organization until passing the baton to me. She continues to be regularly involved in the organization as the Artistic Director, unofficial spokesperson and historian, and more. Working in tandem with her has been one of the great joys of my career.

All our musicians are professionally trained, and we operate like a symphony only smaller, more flexible and entirely brass. Our smaller size gives us agility: we can make creative decisions quickly and take risks that other organizations typically can’t.

In addition to playing music, The Denver Brass is always looking to expand our brass literature collection since there’s very little repertoire written for a group with two tubas at its core. We’re dedicated to expanding the world of brass music by commissioning new works and publishing our signature sound arrangements.
Over the years The Denver Brass has even inspired people across the nation to start their own brass ensemble in their city. People often reach out for guidance on how to run or launch their own organization.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I started to network during college, connecting with my teachers who are now my colleagues. Having worked at The Denver Brass as a college intern and continuing my career at the organization for the last 15 years, those connections have only gotten stronger.

My recommendation is to take advantage of internship opportunities and network when you’re in college or just starting out. Reach out to organizations or companies that interest you, even if you aren’t sure where it might lead. You never know what will turn into a career opportunity!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://denverbrass.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denverbrass/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DenverBrass
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1IbJ2G4LdKYapt8eVF9E8h