Over a year ago, five strangers came together and combined their talents to make music for their community. This Memorial Day, they’re using those talents to honor those who have sacrificed their lives in service to the country.

Brass Storm, a local recently formed brass quintet, will be performing at the Memorial Day services and patriotic concert in Olyphant on May 25. The ceremony starts with a program at 113 Willow Ave., followed by a program at the Olyphant Freedom Fighter Veterans Memorial Park and a concert in the park. The event is hosted by the American Legion Post 327, Ladies Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion.

Brass Storm will begin the program at 11 a.m. with the national anthem. Their performance will be followed by remarks by guest speakers, a wreath laying ceremony, a rifle volley and a performance of taps, and the event will close with “God Bless America” performed by Brass Storm.

Following the ceremony, Brass Storm will present a free 30-minute concert at the Olyphant Freedom Fighter Veterans Memorial Park featuring various patriotic songs. A light luncheon will be served at the American Legion Post 327 hall, 101 Willow Ave., after the concert. In case of rain, the program and concert will be held inside the American Legion hall.

Brass Storm is made up of five brass musicians who met while playing in a local community band called the Crystal Band of Scranton. Tuba player Alex Castillo, Pittston, had the idea to start a brass quintet, and the five formed Brass Storm in March 2025.

Besides Castillo, the group includes James Greenfield, Josephine Green, Melissa Hughes and Christian Carrion. After officially forming, they began practicing and performing at community events. Their first public event was playing the national anthem at a Scranton/Wilkes Barre RailRiders game.

The group has also performed at local nursing homes, the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center and the Viewmont Mall. Recently, they braved the cold to perform at Jessup’s inaugural Groundhog Day celebration.

Melissa Hughes, Archbald, plays French horn for Brass Storm and serves as the group’s secretary. She said being involved with the group provides fulfillment for her fellow members and herself outside of their careers.

“We’re all musicians part-time. We have full-time jobs. We’re not going to quit our jobs and become full-time musicians. But it’s something that is fulfilling. It’s something that gives a sense of accomplishment and purpose,” she said.

In addition to playing the French horn, Hughes also plays the bugle and will be playing taps at the Memorial Day services. As a U.S. Navy veteran, playing this song has a special significance for Hughes.

“No matter how many times I play it, it’s the hardest song in the world to play. It’s only 21 notes. And it is just such an emotional feeling for me to be able to honor other veterans in the way,” she said.

Brass Storm will also be performing at Archbald’s Sesquicentennial Community Concert on June 14 at 2 p.m. at the Archbald Borough Building. The group will return to the RailRiders on May 30 and July 24, and they will hold a “Christmas in July” concert at the Viewmont Mall on July 25. Brass Storm is also available to book for community events, weddings and other celebrations.

Hughes is looking forward to seeing people come together at these events and for Brass Storm to have the opportunity to give back to the community through music.

“Music itself is beautiful and I love it, but the performing and sharing it with others is what makes it really special when you can give that back to somebody else and just hope that it somehow touches them.”

If you go

What: Olyphant’s Memorial Day services and patriotic concert with Brass Storm

When: May 25 at 11 a.m.

Where: 113 Willow Ave., followed by a program at the Olyphant Freedom Fighter Veterans Memorial Park and a free concert in the park.

Info: Email brassstormofficialgmail.com or visit the Brass Storm Facebook page.