About Us
Meet Brewers Brass!
About Brewers Brass
The Brewers Brass Band started when Dave Otteson met Mark Schmidt while working for a Home Brew store, ( Brewmaster in San Leandro) in 1989. The group started as a musician Beer club and quickly became a favorite of Lyon’s Brewery In Dublin, playing Christmas in July and other special events at the pub. Dave was active with Hayward La Honda Music Camp and met Ted Newton, Chris Marquis & Charlie Rhodda (Tuba) and the group became a Brass Quintet.
Over 3 decades and many member changes the group has put out a music library that contains over 1000 charts in all styles. The musicianship has been highlighted with performances at the California Music Educators Association conventions, Chabot College, and many others. While the group maintains a fun and relaxed set for outdoor events and pubs playing various popular and recognizable tunes we still can play music sets for classical occasions. Some of the most popular events include theme music such as Patriotic for the July 4th and Military celebrations, Polka music for Octoberfest, Latin styles for Cinco de mayo and of course Christmas music. We have played many tree lighting events for the city of Hayward & San Leandro.
Pubs have been a staple for the group as patrons listen to our versatility while playing Movie themes, Western sets, and popular music such a Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. Polka music & beer go together and we love to share our talents with the fun loving people who follow us.
Brewers Brass is a skilled and professional group that maintains a high level of performance. We look forward to working with you.
David Otteson Trombone / Baritone
Dave was born into a musical family. His Father was a professional Trumpet player in North Dakota who brought the family to California in 1967. Over years of school bands and summers at La Honda Music Camp Dave became a local professional in various rock, salsa, and gospel groups in the Bay Area. While attending Chabot College and Cal State Hayward Dave studied under the direction of Frank Sumarez. “Frank had us playing everywhere, we played at fairs, for every entertainer that came through the East Bay, Raider pregame gigs and all kinds of Musicals. It was the best time to play all the styles and get the experience needed to grow.”
When the call came to leave the area Dave went on to play on Cruise Ships and joined the Royal Caribbean’s largest ship at the time. The band was the showcase group and got to play with some of the best entertainers at the time. In between different contracts many of that band went on to become the house band for the Marriott Casino in Nasa Bahamas. “That was a really challenging time but really made us become the best musicians we could be.” Later, Dave joined other cruise ship companies and saw much of the best ports and cruise destinations with some great entertainers.
Dave came back to the Bay Area and rejoined Brewers Brass and the Chabot College night band and started playing in theater companies both local and professional. Working with the Brewers Brass was always the most fun and the groups make up and book makes it challenging because of the styles required. “We play everything! It is the most fun I can have being with this group of people playing the music we love to share.”
Mark Schmidt
Mark Schmidt graduated with a Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Redlands and a Master of Music Degree from Holy Names College. He taught elementary classroom and choral music for 35 years.
Aside from playing in Brewers Brass, he plays actively for church and other ensembles, playing solos and duets for different occasions.
Mark is an original member of Brewers Brass.
Dan Olivas
Dan Olivas is a native of California’s Central Valley and holds a Bachelor of Music degree in instrumental education from California State University, Stanislaus where he studied tuba, trombone, and voice. He currently freelances as a musician in the Central Valley and in the Bay Area and has performed in pit orchestras with Modesto Performing Arts, YES Company, Hillbarn Theatre, and Opera Modesto. Dan has also performed with stage ensembles like Merced Symphony, Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra, and a variety of community music ensembles in the Central Valley and Bay Area.
Dan has also served in the California Air National Guard as a Regional Bandsman with the 561st and the 562nd Air Force Bands. He held the rank of Technical Sergeant before separating in the beginning of 2020 and performed in various groups and as a soloist within the unit. As a service member, Dan performed for: generals and flag officers, one US President, various domestic and foreign dignitaries, domestic and foreign communities, and for US and coalition forces in the US and Middle East. Dan’s most noteworthy performances include “God Bless America” at game two of the 2012 World Series held at Oracle Park in San Francisco, CA and the National Anthem of the United States at both the US National Soccer Team’s FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Honduras at Avaya Stadium in San José, CA in 2017 and in direct support for the US Embassy’s National Day Celebration in Doha, Qatar in the spring of 2019.
Chris Nalls
Chris Nalls is Director of Instrumental Music at Branham High School. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Horn performance from San Jose State University and has worked with musicians at Saratoga, Lynbrook, Homestead, Branham, Independence, Oak Grove, and San Jose State University (among others). He has studied conducting with Vernon Read, Michael Haithcock, and Mallory Thompson.
As a performer, Chris plays in the Golden Gate Park Band, Awesome Orchestra, Cambrian Symphony, Brewers Brass, and Aeolus Woodwind Quintet. He has been a member of the Ohlone Bands for over 20 years.
In a past life, Chris Nalls was part of the rise of Silicon Valley, working at iconic companies like Apple Computer, Netscape Communications, America Online, and Symantec.