The Westerlies

The Westerlies, “an arty quartet…mixing ideas from jazz, new classical, and Appalachian folk” (The New York Times), hold a singular space in modern music. From Carnegie Hall to Coachella, this self-described “accidental brass quartet” has upended presumptions of the brass tradition to create music that is “folk-like and composerly, lovely and intellectually rigorous” (NPR Music).

Comprising Riley Mulherkar and Chloe Rowlands on trumpet, and Andy Clausen and Addison Maye-Saxon on trombone, the ensemble has relentlessly composed, arranged, adapted, recorded, and toured over the past fifteen years with the precision of a string quartet, the audacity of a rock band, and the charm of a family sing-along.

Beyond recording and touring, the ensemble reaches over 3,000 students annually through their educational initiatives and workshops that promote the values of listening, empathy, and inclusion through music. The Westerlies have led residencies, collaborations, and workshops at leading conservatories and universities nationwide, including Juilliard, Yale, Colburn, Manhattan School of Music, Northwestern University, Montclair State University, Michigan State University, University of Kansas, University of Iowa, Montana State University, and many others. In 2021, The Westerlies joined the faculty of The New School, where they were named the inaugural small ensemble-in-residence at the School of Jazz and Contemporary Music.

The Westerlies Website
(Ticket Includes 5% City of Santa Cruz Admission Tax)