By Juliana Kropinack; Photo Credits to Lily Papendick
On Oct. 13, 2026, Seraph Brass will be coming to Susquehanna University to perform for students, faculty, and the local community. This performance is a part of the SU 2026-2027 Artist Series, a selection of performances from experts in their fields meant to expand and encourage the already vibrant artistic life on campus.
Susquehanna features a variety of artistic opportunities for students, with including instrumental and vocal music, fine and digital arts, theatre performance and production, and creative writing all being offered as educational pathways. In addition, student clubs and organizations such as Sewing and Design Club or the SU Dance Corps provide students with out-of-class creative expression. The Artist Series is yet another example of Susquehanna’s dedication to a strong artistic community, and with the arrival of Seraph Brass on campus, this is sure to be one of the best seasons yet.
Formed by trumpet soloist Mary Elizabeth Bowden in 2014, Seraph Brass represents a mission of integrity and expression for women and minorities in the arts – specifically, in the field of brass music. Now entering the 13th season, the group has performed across the world, in forty of the fifty US states and in South America, Europe, and Asia. Performing a wide range of music in styles from old compositions to newly commissioned works, Seraph Brass is dedicated to uplifting female and minority composers in their work, as well as the artists who perform the pieces.
This often comes in the form of their many educational programs, with members of the group holding faculty positions at institutions such as the Shenandoah Conservatory, Western Michigan University, the University of Wisconsin in Madison, and the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Members also dedicate their time to making music education more accessible for students, working with groups such as the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, and the Brass Institutes of America, among others. In 2026, the group created its very own Seraph Brass Seminar, meant to encourage students in the arts to hone their skills and have the opportunity to work with professional musicians.
Performing at Susquehanna and bringing their talent to the stage of the Degenstein Center Theater will be members Mary Elizabeth Bowden (trumpet), Sarah Jessen (trumpet), Layan Atieh (horn), Lauren Casey-Clyde (trombone), and Ally Hansen (tuba). This quintet is sure to be a wonderful performance – the group has been praised by a variety of prestigious musical organizations, including “Gramophone,” “American Record Guide,” and “Textura.”
Students should not miss this opportunity to attend the Seraph Brass performance, especially since all SU students can reserve tickets for free at the Degenstein Campus Center box office or online. Community member pricing may vary, but take this opportunity to engage in a night of wonderful music and the thriving artistic community of Susquehanna University!