Organized in 2011, The Jim Ott Brass Ensemble is a group of individuals that love the Drum Corps activity, Jim Ott and his musical arrangement and genius.

Some people leave this world too soon. Unfortunately, Jim Ott was one of those people. However, Jim left his impression on the Drum and Bugle corps activity forever. He came from a “drum corps” family and was involved with the Stockton Police Drum and Bugle Corps in 1964 at an early age. By 1968, Ott was arranging music for the Stockton Commodores as well as instructing their brass line.

Ott went on to arrange for and instruct many Drum Corps, in particular the Blue Devils from Concord, CA and the Spirit of Atlanta from Atlanta, GA. It was during these years that he arranged some of his best work, most notably “Georgia” and “Chase the Clouds Away.” Not only was Jim Ott a genius arranger, but a devoted teacher. It is said that Jim Ott could get more out of a 14-year-old who couldn’t read music than most instructors could get out of a seasoned musician. Ott loved his “kids” and the feeling was reciprocated. Tragically, Jim died in an automobile accident in July 1980 while on tour with Spirit of Atlanta. Jim left us far too soon, but not before leaving an indelible mark on the Drum Corps activity. His influence is still present in the brass arrangements of today, but many still long to hear the “Jim Ott” sound.

Today the Jim Ott Brass Ensemble is a group of individuals that love Drum Corps, Jim Ott, and his musical arrangements and genius.