MOJATUBA: Tuba and Dance Fusion In Concert - Penn State Behrend
The project MOJATUBA: TUBA AND DANCE FUSION showcases a unique ensemble, which features on the performance stage the artistic and interdisciplinary collaboration between solo tuba, dancers, piano, voice, and percussion. The term MOJATUBA, a mixture between the acronym MOJA—which stands for Modern Dance, Original Works, Jazz Styles, and African Influence—and its distinctive association with the tuba, represents a sample of the stylistic creativity that this ensemble can execute.
The diverse ethnic theme of the program, especially its African influenced music and dance, contributes to the creation of a soulful energy that connects performers and audience, rendering each performance a profound spiritual experience.
Velvet Brown is the 2022-23 Penn State Laureate and the David P. Stone Endowed Professor for the School of Music at Penn State and the Associate Director of the School of Music for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Brown is also Artist Faculty at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. Velvet Brown enjoys a career as professor, international soloist, composer/arranger, chamber ensemble performer, recording artist, conductor, and orchestral player. She has performed and taught throughout Europe, North America, and worldwide, and served as guest conductor for festivals in many states.
Among her many honors, Brown was principal tuba with the Hope and Harmony Ensemble which recorded a video of fanfares for the 2021 Presidential Inauguration. She has served as principal tuba with the River City Brass band, guest principal with the Lahti Philharmonic in Finland, the Detroit Symphony, San Francisco Women’s Philharmonic Orchestra, and more. Moreover, she is also a founding board member of the International Women’s Brass Conference. She has released five solo CDs, and has collaborated on several other recordings as a soloist and ensemble member, Velvet Brown is a Buffet/Crampon Performing Artist, performing on the MW 2250 and 2182 F tubas, and the MW 2000 and MW 3450 CC tubas.
