Details
This set of three ragtime dances, Ragtime Gems for Brass Quintet was composed by African-American women in the early 20th century. All three were pianists, involved as performers and composers.
Ethel May Earnist, (1888-1957), composer of Chicken Chowder grew up in Omaha, NE and worked there in a music store. She moved to Kansas City, Missouri where she was employed as a musician by J.W. Jenkins' Sons Music Co.
Irene Giblin (1888-1974), composer of Peanuts was born in St Louis. She worked at St. Louis music stores, playing the piano for several hours a day to convince the customers to buy the latest scores.
Imogene Giles (1877-1964), composer of Red Peppers was a music teacher, a pianist for silent films and composer. She worked in the Giles music store in Quincy, Illinois for her brothers, who published her compositions.
The music, impeccably arranged by Elliot Chasanov is appropriate for advanced performers and is scored for a Brass Quintet of Piccolo Trumpet, Trumpet in B-flat, Horn, Trombone and Tuba.
The works may be performed as a suite or individually.


Gordon Cherry has been running Cherry Classics for over 20 years. He is a leading professional Trombonist in North America, having performed as Principal Trombonist of the Vancouver Symphony, and the CBC Radio Orchestra. As well, Gordon has taught hundreds of Brass students for over 30 years at the University of British Columbia and many international leading music festivals.