Colin Dean:
Bandleader, Trombone
Colin Dean, a trombone player from Oakland, California, is also the founder of Brass Mash, a brass band established in 2015. Upon his return to the central coast, Colin noticed the absence of brass bands in the area and took it upon himself to fill that void. Not only does he perform with Brass Mash, but he also takes on the role of an arranger, creating exciting mashups for the band to perform.
In addition to his musical contributions, Colin plays a crucial role in maintaining the band's infrastructure. He takes charge of building and managing the band's technical aspects, including lights and sound, ensuring a high-quality experience for both the band and their audience. Furthermore, Colin's dedication extends beyond the technical aspects, as he actively fosters a positive and uplifting atmosphere within the band, boosting morale and creating a tight-knit musical community.
Stephanie Douglass:
Trumpet and Arranger
Stephanie Douglass (trumpet) has been making music on the Central Coast since 2013. A graduate from Humboldt State (now Cal Poly Humboldt), she taught music in public schools for over 10 years. Various music adventures include chamber music workshops, a semi-successful YouTube channel, playing in friends' backyards, and of course Brass Mash.
Stephanie is working on becoming a board certified music therapist. She lives in Orcutt with her husband, baby daughter, and 100 cats.
Sean Sullivan:
Drums and Percussion
At the early age of seven-years-old, Sean Sullivan fell in love with the music, drumming and percussion in Sacramento, California. At age twelve, he decided to become a professional drummer and percussionist. Sean studied with private instructors through high school and attended College as a music performance major, specializing in latin music and jazz, from 2003-2006.
As a professional musician, educator and motivational speaker, Sean has traveled the world and performed for international audiences, with credits including San Luis Obispo Symphony Orchestra (Percussion), Music Director for Princess Cruises (Drums/Band Leader), Damon Castillo Band (Drums), Brass Mash (Drums), as well as appearing live and in-studio for many artists, musical theater productions, movie soundtracks, etc. Following his mission to share the benefits of music with everyone, in 2016, Sean founded an organization called DrumPerks offering performances and team-building workshops in schools, communities events, correctional facilities, and corporations. Please visit DrumAndPerk.com to learn more.
Sam Franklin:
Saxophones
Sam Franklin has been performing on the Central Coast for over 15 years. A San Luis Obispo High School graduate, he attended Cuesta College before receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from CSU Northridge. He performs consistently with several local groups such as Brass Mash, Wordsauce, the Jump Jax, and the Tipsy Gypsies, as well as his own small jazz ensembles and sitting in with various other bands.
He is available for freelance work including performance, arranging, and private instruction, specifically on saxophone and music theory.
samfranklin1892@gmail.com
(805) 434-7741
Anthony Yi:
Saxophones
Not only is Anthony Yi our Alto Saxophonist, but one of our arrangers as well. He has arranged music for Brass Mash and other ensembles such as the Neptune Reeds, a woodwind chamber group he has co-founded which is made up of single and double reed instruments.
Professionally, Anthony Yi has been a music educator in the Central Coast for over the past decade. He currently teaches Elementary music in the Santa Maria area and privately in San Luis Obispo. On top of everything else, Anthony teaches Saxophone as well as running the Saxophone Ensemble at Cal Poly.
As a musician, Anthony studied Classical Saxophone at the Conservatory of Music at the University of the Pacific. During his time there, he has had the opportunity to perform in various capacities. He performed at NASA, the North American Saxophone Alliance Western Regional Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2009. He has also had the honor of performing for the former President Bill Clinton during the 2008 Campaign for Hilary Clinton.
Locally, Anthony has performed with many of the ensembles in the San Luis Obispo county. You may find him playing with ensembles like the San Luis Obispo Wind Orchestra, the San Luis Obispo Symphony, Symphony of the Vines, and Orchestra Novo.
Tim Crooks:
Saxophones
Tim Crooks grew up in the East Bay area of San Francisco, where his love for exploratory music took root. He pursued his passion by studying Computer Science and the arts at CalPoly, immersing himself in the vibrant jazz and classical groups on campus, as well as at Cuesta College. Seeking new horizons, Tim made his way to the Northwest to work at Microsoft and delve into the thriving Seattle music scene. However, his heart eventually led him back to his beloved SLO (San Luis Obispo) in 1999. Tim's musical journey has been a testament to his versatility and passion, as he has played with a diverse array of groups ranging from the SLO Winds and No Deadwood Big Band to the SLO Chamber Orchestra. With an affinity for genres like salsa, jazz, Dixieland, blues, funk, and Mo' Diggs.
Brian Lanzone:
Bass
Brian Lanzone is a California Central Coast native who has been playing electric and upright bass professionally for nearly 25 years. He graduated from SLO High before joining the music program at Cuesta College where he studied upright bass and became one of the first to earn an Associate of Arts degree in Jazz Studies at the institution. Brian was then offered a full scholarship to the University of Nevada, Reno, where he graduated with a Bachelors of Music in upright bass performance. Upon his return to the Central Coast, Brian earned his Masters of Education degree from National University, and now teaches music and band for San Luis Coastal Unified School District.
Brian’s music performance experience spans many genres and continents. This work includes traveling/performing/recording with groups such as San Luis Obispo Symphony, PCPA, Goza, Gypsy All-Stars, Cuesta Ridge, Royal Garden Swing Orchestra, Mama Tumba, as well as working in many show bands onboard cruise ships. In recent years, Brian has slowed down his freelance performance work to focus on performing with Brass Mash, The Tipsy Gypsies, and Damon Castillo Band. He is married to violinist and SLO Symphony Concertmaster, Emily Lanzone, who is also a violin instructor for both Cuesta College and Cal Poly. The Lanzone’s reside in Los Osos with their 10-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter. Brian’s favorite hobbies include surfing, biking, and spending time outdoors with his family.
Kai Easley:
Trombone
Kai Easley grew up in Moorpark, California where he first picked up the piano at 6 years old and started playing trombone in 6th grade. Instantly finding a passion for making music, he began taking part in numerous ensembles whether in school bands, community groups, or honor ensembles and has been given the opportunity to perform in many different places, including Carnegie Hall.
A current Cal Poly student studying Statistics, he performs with the Cal Poly Symphony along with Brass Mash and is hoping to find a career in Data Analytics post-college, while always keeping music a passion.
Kevin Wilde:
Trumpet
Kevin is a CSU Northridge Music School grad, performed at Monterey Jazz Festival, and has performed with many renowned artists including: Nancy Wilson, Peggy Lee, Bill Watrous Wildlife Refuge West, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Four Tops, Temptations, Gino Vannelli, Barry Manilow, Manhattan Transfer and many others.
After spending 20 years in New England, then 12 years in Florida, Kevin has come back home to California and moved to the Central Coast. Kevin enjoys walks on the beach, hiking around the hills, wine tasting and playing with his grandkids.