Sterling Brass, formed in 1987 by members of the Hornell Area Wind Ensemble (HAWE), is a popular and accomplished brass quintet known throughout Steuben, Allegany and Livingston Counties.

Founding member and tuba player Jim Caneen is also a member of the Southern Tier Symphony, Windjammers Unlimited and the Wellsville Performing Arts Orchestra.  He is President of HAWE and president-elect of the National Association of Concert Bands.

On trumpet is Jeremy Ferris (Allegany County Engineer for the DPW), a member of HAWE who also "plays pit" in many area productions such as Hornell Rotary Summer Productions.

Chris Lynn, also on trumpet (and the ensemble's newest member), teaches instrumental music at Canaseraga Central School.  A graduate of SUNY Geneseo and the Crane School of Music (SUNY Potsdam), he is also a member of HAWE.

Susan Dessena (Vice President Operations Officer of Steuben Trust Company in Hornell), plays French horn for the group, is a HAWE member and plays for theatrical productions throughout the area.

The group's euphonium player, Marie Schoenacker is retired from teaching instrumental music at KCS (both elementary and middle schools) after a career of thirty years.  She is a member of HAWE, plays in and directs pit orchestras for local theatrical productions, is very active in many local organizations and is a member of The Friends of the Village Park, a group that is in part responsible for the Nunda Gazebo Arts Showcase concerts.