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The group of self-proclaimed “devastatingly handsome and incredibly talented musicians” who make up Presidio Brass will come to WSU for the first time tonight to share their Christmas program with the Palouse.

Inspired by music teachers they had in school, the five members of what is now known as Presidio Brass came together to form a brass quintet to promote music education and appreciation to students. Presidio Brass quickly became popular in San Diego, California, and then all over the country.

Scott Sutherland, Presidio Brass founder and tubist, said that they are not only there to educate, but to entertain as well.

“We always mix a dose of humor into our performances,” Sutherland said. “We personalize numbers to fit the members of the ensemble and the audience.”

Sutherland plays tuba and piano and arranges most of the music the group performs, according to the Presidio Brass official website. Trombonist Josh Bledsoe has been credited with many national awards for his playing. Geoff Durbin plays trombone and euphonium and has performed solo recitals all over the country because of his talent, according to the Presidio Brass website.

Both trumpet players, Miles McAllister and Steve O’Connor are considered world-class trumpeters, Sutherland said.

“There is an immense amount of talent on stage,” Sutherland said. “It’s wonderful and intimidating to collaborate with such amazing artists.”

Over the years, the group has toured with multiple different programs, including “Rhapsody in Brass” and “Sounds of the Cinema.” During the fall of 2016, they presented “Road Trip,” featuring tunes like “Carry On Wayward Son,” and the theme from “Mission Impossible,” according to the website.

This winter, they’ll be presenting a Christmas set that includes a tribute to “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and a tuba feature of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Sutherland said they will also perform traditional Christmas carols with a fanfare inspired by John Williams.

“Our Christmas program is very exciting; it’s the only time of the year that we play a different program,” Sutherland said. “When you perform the same show night after night, it can get stale.”

Sutherland said he is excited to offer this opportunity to students to experience a cultural event that they wouldn’t have access to otherwise.

“They get a taste of something other than a local rock band from Spokane,” Sutherland said. “They get to hear something that’s more high-minded culturally, like classical music, but done in a fun and accessible way.”

Presidio Brass will perform their holiday program at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Jones Theatre in Daggy Hall. Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors, $9 for non-WSU students and youth and free for WSU students with ID.