Even before entering the Redwood Room in the University Union at Sacramento State, an assortment of trumpet, saxophone and percussion sounds magnetize students to follow the music.

Nine musicians marched their way up to the stage at the Wednesday nooner Feb. 11, and didn’t let the room grow silent until 1 p.m. Element Brass Band received a loud welcoming from the audience and were energized to be playing at Sacramento State for the first time in their musical career.

Element Brass Band plays New Orleans second line style music, composed of trumpets, trombone, saxophone, sousaphone, and drums. Second line bands originated in New Orleans and play at events and festivals, such as Mardi Gras.

Byron Colborn, bandleader, plays the alto saxophone for Element Brass Band and from the beginning of the show he encouraged everyone to get up, let loose and dance.

“You all are sitting on your butts, get up and dance,” Colborn said to the audience.

The band is based out of Sacramento and is looking forward to touring around the West Coast this summer. With one album currently out Colborn expects another album of original compositions to be out by the end of the summer.

Although they have a strong traditional sound and are mostly influenced by New Orleans style brass bands, a subtle hint of hip-hop is added to the equation, giving them a unique flare.

“We really try to stay authentic to the second line style, pay homage to that, with really authentic beats the rhythm section is playing,” said Colborn. “[…] We try to do justice to the tradition.”

The vivacious sound lured in many students and exposed them to a different type of music. Rebecca Miles and Kaleihiehie Cablay both appreciated the opportunity to hear music that is uncommon on the West Coast.

“I really enjoyed it,” said Cablay. “It’s really a different style of music and in the South it’s easier to get and up here it’s not. You don’t get exposed to this music unless actively seeking it and it’s nice that the UNIQUE program puts it on.”

Sac State senior Aaron Smith plays the trumpet for Element Brass Band and is a jazz study major. He is also a part of the Latin Band and the 130 Big Band on campus but enjoys how he is able to improvise on stage with Element Brass band.

“I love playing jazz and big band jazz, but here [Element Brass Band] it’s a little different. We get to improvise,” said Smith. “[…] It’s more like melodic bass playing or rhythmic bass playing, and that’s really fun to do.”

Element Brass Band connects to the audience through their energetic presence, many audience members found it hard not to bob their heads to the beat. When they’re not blowing melodies out of their instruments all the members add in their different styles of vocals.

“It’s a really fun time, everybody gets to be crazy and goofy and dress up, and just have fun,” said Colborn. “That was kind of the message our last song, […] called ‘Do What You Wana’ it’s just kind of like don’t worry about those things just do what you feel. The essence of Mardi Gras — just have a party.”

Every solo played during their performance was rewarded with applause and appreciated by the audience.

“I thought it was really fun and entertaining,” said Miles. “It’s a side to entertainment Sac State doesn’t get a lot. It’s loud and it’s cool and Sac State doesn’t celebrate Mardi Gras.”

Element Brass Band is striving to be the best they can be while establishing and receiving recognition for their own identity as a band by playing more shows, writing, and performing more original songs.

“It’s just like joyous music,” said Smith. “[…] It’s a different kind of energy when you get someone dancing. I think that’s one of the biggest compliments someone can give you. They’re so moved that they’re dancing, I think that’s one of coolest things. […] It’s been a really rewarding experience to play for people because they enjoy it.”