Founded in 1993 by Steve Workman, Courtney Holloway, Keith Holt, Nat Grosky, and Fran Blanchard, the Portsmouth Brassworks was established for the sole reason of performing during the Christmas Season. After a successful holiday run, the group decided it would continue performing as the Portsmouth Brassworks. The group went through a metamorphosis in 1994 when Ms. Blanchard left the group to continue her education and Mr. Grosky left to pursue a full-time career in teaching. The group utilized several french horn players until Mr. Saunders, who had been an alternate, became a permanent member in 1996. The final addition, bringing us to our present membership, was Mr. Alan Eves on trumpet.

The Brassworks, from its inception, has maintained close ties to Portsmouth High School as all of its members are alumni. In 1994 the Brassworks was quintet-in-residence at Portsmouth High performing with the band, choir, and drama department, as well as instructing students. One of the highlights of that period was the use of the ensemble in the performance of the "The Sound Of Music". In 1996, the group was once again hired to provide the music for the Portsmouth High production of "Oliver". The Brassworks, in 1995, realized that in order to expand its reputation as a professional performing group it would have to create a higher level of visibility.

Through advertising and many pro-bono engagements, the notoriety of the Portsmouth Brassworks spread. The onset of 1996 brought with it performances at weddings, musicals, church services, private functions and corporate promotional events. The New Hope Church in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, contracted the group to provide accompaniment for its choir during its annual tours throughout New England. The demand placed upon the Brassworks continued into 1997 as the group saw its busiest year to date. The beginning of 1998 allowed the Portsmouth Brassworks’ to once again renew its commitment to providing quality performances, affordable pricing, and community service. It is the sincere hope that you will consider becoming a part of Brassworks history by allowing us to perform at your function.