BRASS SOUNDS: When you think of classical music, the trombone may not be the first instrument to come to mind. But a group of talented trombonists, along with an organist, is changing that notion. The High Altitude Trombone Quartet, featuring Lee Garrett on organ, has released its first CD, "All Day Meeting and Dinner on the Ground."

The CD covers music from the 1600s to the now, including works from Bach, Mozart and Henry Mancini. It also includes the title piece, "All Day Meeting and Dinner on the Ground," by Boulder composer Robert Spillman, which the group commissioned for this premiere recording.

"There is great variety," says the group's co-founder, Jeremy Van Hoy, a trombonist with the Colorado Springs Symphony. The group wanted to make sure they gave listeners a historical review of what had been written for trombone quartets.

The CD's first track, Daniel Speer's "Sonata for Four Trombones and Continuo," written in 1685, is the oldest track written for that combination.

The pieces set a spiritual mood, and the organ never becomes overbearing in the background. The trombones have depth, allowing the various layers to be heard throughout each arrangement. It has a peaceful quality.

The musicians are Joe Martin, professor of trombone and wind ensemble director at Denver University's Lamont School of Music; William Runyan of the Cheyenne (Wyo.) Symphony Orchestra; William Holst of the Colorado Springs Symphony; Lee Garrett, college organist and professor of music at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Ore.; and Van Hoy. A few songs also feature the vocals of baritone John Lueck, coordinator of voice and associate professor at Colorado State University.

The CD is available at Toons, Media Play, Graner Music and Meeker Music.

You can catch the group at their Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at First Lutheran Church, 1515 N. Cascade Ave.