Bradley Saunders is a versatile trumpet player, conductor, and music producer, recognized as a cornerstone of the North State’s musical community. His early studies spanned violin, piano, and percussion before he focused on trumpet, ultimately serving as an Electrical Engineer in the United States Navy. Professionally, Bradley’s career includes a notable tenure in Juneau, Alaska, where he was a central educator at the Juneau Community Charter School and a prolific composer, including the fanfare A Juneau Fanfare for the Juneau Volunteer Marching Band. Now based in Redding, he serves as Principal Trumpet for the Shasta Symphony Orchestra and is a founding member and leader of Element 5 Brass. Beyond his technical mastery, Bradley is widely regarded by regional conductors and colleagues as a “community architect” for brass music, fostering connections among players and cultivating a vibrant local ensemble culture. His leadership extends from historically informed performances of 17th-century works to premieres of contemporary repertoire, consistently enhancing the synergy and growth of every ensemble he joins. In addition to performing, Bradley is a dedicated educator at Goddard Music, providing instruction in piano and brass instruments while mentoring the next generation of North State musicians.

K.C. Lab is a distinguished trumpeter whose artistry is defined by professional leadership and precision. His musical foundation was established in Baker, Montana, where he earned first chair in the Regional Honor Band and was selected for the International Music Camp honors program. Following a decorated 22-year career in the United States Navy, K.C. returned to the instrument with a renewed passion and seasoned musicianship. He currently serves as Associate Principal Trumpet for the Shasta Symphony Orchestra and is a founding member of Element 5 Brass. His presence is felt across the region through his work with the Red Bluff Community Band, the Red Bluff Swing Band, and the Shasta College Symphonic Band.

Wayne Doerning is the principal horn for Element 5 Brass, bringing a rich orchestral sound and decades of local performance experience to the ensemble. A long-time fixture of the Northern California music scene, Wayne is a member of the Shasta Symphony Orchestra and has performed with numerous regional groups throughout the North State. Beyond the concert stage, Wayne recently capped off a distinguished 33-year career at the Far Northern Regional Center, where he served as the Associate Director of Client Services. His dedication to the community is matched only by his eclectic range of personal interests; when he isn’t perfecting a difficult horn passage, Wayne is likely restoring vintage pinball machines, mountain biking through the North State trails, or performing close-up magic. Wayne’s approach to music is defined by the same patience and integrity that guided his professional career. He is thrilled to provide the essential "middle voice" for Element 5 Brass, contributing to the group’s signature blend.

Carlos Gama Jr. is a distinguished low brass musician with a career spanning 57 years, a journey that began in the fifth grade. A retired Command Sergeant Major (CSM/E-9), Carlos dedicated 36 years of service as an Army Bandsman at both the federal and state levels, performing in more than 30 countries worldwide. As the Music Director and a co-founder of Element 5 Brass, Carlos is a cornerstone of the regional music scene. His presence is felt across a wide array of ensembles, including the Shasta Symphony Orchestra, the North State Jazz Orchestra, and the Red Bluff Community Band. While he is primarily recognized for his mastery of the trombone, euphonium, tuba and the unique Maynard Ferguson Holton Superbone, he also serves as the rhythmic backbone for the Red Bluff Swing Band on the 6-string "fretless" electric bass guitar. Whether anchoring a symphonic low brass section or leading a jazz ensemble, his deep resonance and seasoned leadership provide a vital foundation for every group he joins. 

John Albright provides the deep harmonic anchor and rhythmic foundation for Element 5 Brass. An original member of the quintet, John began playing instrumental music shortly after his family moved to northern California in 1962 and has played the tuba for over sixty years. He is a graduate of Shasta High School, Shasta College, and California State University, Chico, and he is a regular presence in regional orchestras and community bands where he is noted for his technical precision. John is the retired Scientific Operations Manager for the Shasta Mosquito and Vector Control District, where he was honored for his efforts in public health. He holds a Bachelor of Science and an Associate degree, bringing decades of experience to the ensemble's resonant low-brass blend.

Maksim Kim is a versatile percussionist and educator whose musical foundation began at age five in Uzbekistan. He completed nine years of rigorous professional training at the V. Uspensky Republican Specialized Lyceum, specializing in both percussion and piano. Before moving to the United States, Maksim performed with the Uzbekistan Youth Symphony Orchestra, representing the ensemble at prestigious international festivals in Sochi and Moscow. Since relocating to Northern California at age 16, Maksim has become a vital part of the regional music community. He currently performs with the Shasta Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Dr. Jeff Specht. In addition to his performance career, Maksim is a dedicated educator, having spent the last three years providing private instruction to students of all levels. As a collaborating artist with Element 5 Brass, Maksim provides the rhythmic texture and percussive color that rounds out the ensemble’s expansive "Brass Unbound" repertoire.