Meet the Band

The South Coast Brass got its start when five college friends got together in 1986 to play some staples of brass chamber musical literature, including pieces by Giovanni Gabrieli, William Byrd, and Victor Ewald. After 38 years, a couple of personnel changes, and a much more extensive library of music, our brass quintet is still going stronger than ever before.

John Deemer

John has played trumpet for the Crystal Cathedral (Glory of Christmas), Eastside Christian Church, and the Doctor’s Big Band. For his day gig, he is a managing director for a manufacturing company in Buena Park.

Steve Kraus

Steve recently retired as the band director at Brookhurst Junior High School in Anaheim. Out of the classroom, Steve plays in the Dixiedelics, an amazing Dixieland group that performs in many venues around Orange County.

Mark Ghiassi

Mark is also a music instructor, teaching in the Irvine School District. Every December, you can be sure to find him playing horn for the Long Beach Ballet’s annual performance of the Nutcracker.

Craig McKnight

Craig plays trombone in a number of big bands in the Orange County area. He is an administrative assistant for a stock brokerage firm in Seal Beach.

Faith Valdez

Faith can be heard playing tuba throughout Orange County. She is a music instructor at Grace Lutheran School.

Ready to Share Our Music with You

The South Coast Brass has performed in many venues over the years, including the Richard Nixon Library, the Baroque Festival in Corona del Mar, and many churches throughout Southern California. Contact us to learn more about booking us to bring live music to your venue.