The La Moine Brass Quintet

Founded in 1992, the La Moine Brass Quintet (LBQ) is the resident faculty brass quintet of the Western Illinois University School of Music. Dedicated to excellence in performance, pedagogy, and outreach, LBQ is a cornerstone of the university’s chamber music offerings and an active artistic presence throughout the region.

The current ensemble includes Nicole Gillotti and Sarah Cisney (trumpets), Jena Gardner (horn), Jett Walker (trombone), and James Land (tuba). Cisney, a second-year master’s student and graduate assistant in the trumpet studio, completes the quintet alongside WIU's distinguished brass faculty. Together, the members of LBQ bring extensive experience as soloists, chamber musicians, orchestral performers, and educators, with recognition that spans national and international stages.

LBQ regularly performs on the WIU Faculty Chamber Music Series and has premiered numerous original works and arrangements. The ensemble is a familiar presence at schools, universities, conferences, and regional chamber music series, offering clinics, masterclasses, and performances that bridge artistry and education. In recent years, LBQ has been featured at the 2024 International Trombone Festival, premiering Sonata for Trombone and Brass Quintet by Jack Wilds, and has presented the clinic Small Ensembles: Big Impact, supporting music educators with tools to foster chamber music in their programs.

The quintet also co-hosts WIU’s annual WindFest—an immersive, day-long event for woodwind and brass players featuring performances, clinics, and guest artists. Past guests have included the Boston Brass, American Brass Quintet, Dallas Brass, and members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Past Members of the La Moine Brass Quintet:

• Bruce Briney, trumpet (1993–2023)
• John Mindeman, trombone (2000–2023)
• Terry Solomonson, tuba (1992–2019)
• Randall Faust, horn (1997–2018)
• Brett Shuster, trombone (1998–2000)
• John Dugle, trumpet (1992–2000)
• Roger Collins, horn (1992–1997)

With a legacy of over three decades, the La Moine Brass Quintet continues to champion vibrant, accessible brass chamber music while mentoring the next generation of musicians.

WindFest

The annual WindFest is an event hosted by the WIU brass and woodwind faculty. The day features performances by the WIU Faculty Brass Quintet, Camerata Nova and special guest artists. Additionally, instrumental masterclasses, clinics, and opportunities to play will be included. Learn more about this year’s event.

Members

Nicole Gillotti, DMA
Assistant Professor of Trumpet
Browne Studio E
Email: NS-Gillotti@wiu.edu
Visit: Bio

Jena Gardner, DMA
Assistant Professor of Horn
Browne Studio D
Email: JE-Gardner2@wiu.edu
Visit: Bio | gardnerhorn.com

Jett Walker, DMA
Assistant Professor of Trombone
Browne Studio C
Email: JM-Walker6@wiu.edu
Visit: Bio

James Land, DMA
Assistant Professor of Tuba
Browne Studio A
Email: JW-Land@wiu.edu
Visit: Bio

Educational Outreach

The La Moine Brass Quintet is deeply committed to the education and development of young musicians. The ensemble regularly partners with music educators to provide engaging, hands-on learning experiences for students at all levels. LBQ offers clinics, coaching sessions, and interactive performances that can be tailored to the needs of your program, including:

• Side-by-side playing in ensemble rehearsals
• Fundamental concepts of brass playing
• Individual coaching on solo literature for brass players
• Guidance on selecting brass quintet repertoire
• Strategies for developing a student brass quintet
• Solo and audition preparation
• Brass sectional rehearsals
• Exploring career opportunities in music

If you are a music educator interested in bringing the La Moine Brass Quintet to your school, please contact us at ns-gillotti@wiu.edu. We would be delighted to collaborate with you and your students.