Graceful Elegance
“The Musical Director is Michael J Garasi; a charismatic Floridian blessed with a baton of graceful elegance and an iron steeled certainty of musical will. His ability to chorale the disparate sensitivities of many of the finest brass and percussion players from both sides of the Atlantic was a consummate display of artistry in its own right – his quiet authority controlling a simmering ensemble pot of feral eagerness and showmanship.”
Gem of Brilliance
“Within an hour of the first rehearsal, he crafted a balanced brass band sound; molding, shaping and chamfering the edges away to produce an energized gem of brilliance and beauty.”
Full Article here: https://www.4barsrest.com/articles/2021/1963.asp
Brass Band of Battle Creek Concert on May 21, 2022
Iwan Fox, editor at 4barsrest.com (International Brass Band website in the UK)
“Whether you are conducting my own music or someone else’s, your style and interpretation is far and away the most expressive. Thank you for all of your dedication and energy that went into making my latest premiere an astounding success! Your musicianship is an inspiration to me and could make even the dullest audience member tap their foot!”
Joshua Hobbs, composer
“I just want to express my thanks to you for encouraging me into the work of composers by your work with the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra. Attending those concerts gave me the inspiration to try to write music myself. I fell in love and have never looked back. You also visited my high school with Phillip Porter and I really valued everything you taught us there. I wanted to tell you that this fall I will be attending NYU for a Master Degree in Music Composition.
Thank you again for giving me inspiration towards composition and for your obvious and vivacious love for music as well.”
Justin Ward Weber, composer
http://rhode.meccahosting.com/~a0006ec9/
“Seeing you in action with the students at the 2014 Brass Band of Battle Creek Youth Brass Band was inspiring and fun. Actually made me miss making music. The energy, fun and fast-paced approach made time fly and the results of your efforts were well worth it in the concert!”
Fran Kick, Leadership Clinician and Creator of Kick It In®
“Again, thank you Michael for such an exciting concert last Friday. Your excellent conducting technique, as well as knowledge of the score, and your impeccable musicianship led the musicians to a really outstanding performance. All three compositions of mine were done with such conviction by the members of the Wind Ensemble.
Karel Husa, composer
http://www.stantonmgt.com/smgtnew/composers/husa.html
“A notable non sweater was Michael J. Garasi who was suave and sophisticated (and with a superbly measured conducting technique) in a manner that stood him out from just about anyone else on the day. This was conducting of the very highest class; superbly controlled and delicate, nothing done for effect or crass presentation. He was the best conductor on show all day.”
4barsrest.com (International Brass Band website in UK)
Reviewed at the 153rd British Open Brass Band Championships Birmingham Symphony Hall Birmingham, England
“It was a real quality showcase production, full of excellent individual contributions and a real warm ensemble sound. Michael J. Garasi was also outstanding, with a real charismatic stage presence, superb clear conducting style and the ability to control his ensemble’s dynamics with subtle nuance. They were clear victors by some margin.”
4barsrest.com (International Brass Band website in UK)
Reviewed at the US Open Brass Band Championships
Chicago, Illinois
“…wonderful show that would have done any of the world’s top bands proud…this was band playing of the highest order…this was without doubt top notch stuff…From an adjudicator’s point of view, this performance was one we are always thankful for. The playing and organization of the programme was so far ahead of the others it took away any doubt at all as to the outcome. Even other competitors were in awe of Michael J. Garasi and the Brass Band of Central Florida.”
Brass Band World Magazine, England Reviewed at the US Open Brass Band Championships
Chicago, Illinois
“…what a talent this guy is. From the moment he walked onto the stage he exuded charisma and class at the US Open Brass Band Championships…All the technique with the baton, his clarity of style and precision of beat were exemplary…this is why we think he deserves to be nominated for this prestigious award.”
4Barsrest.com 2004 End of the Year Awards Nominated by 4BR for
“Newcomer of the Year Award” England
“…Hampered by the sudden illness of Music Director Joseph Kreines, which forced assistant conductor Michael J. Garasi to fly in from Washington D. C. to conduct the concert…Considering the lack of rehearsal with Garasi, the orchestra pulled together and presented an afternoon of classical music to the delight of the nearly sold-out house…Garasi displayed charm and verve in stepping in at the last minute while bringing the orchestra together for a fine performance for a fine season-ending concert.”
John Sayers, Ft. Pierce Tribune Reviewed at the final concert of the Treasure Coast Symphony Fort Pierce, Florida