Dr. Nicholas Kazmierczak is a multifaceted
trombonist and educator who earned his Doctor of
Musical Arts in Trombone Performance from the
University of Kansas in 2025. He also holds a Master
of Music from the University of Delaware and a
Bachelor of Music from Pennsylvania State
University, both in Trombone Performance. A
founding member of The Midway Brass, Nicholas
performs widely, including as a semi-finalist at the
2025 Festival Ljubljana International Brass Quintets
and Quartets Competition. His musical reach spans
jazz, early music on sackbut, and diverse chamber
ensembles, reflecting his commitment to
collaborative artistry and stylistic versatility.
Nicholas has also appeared with the Kansas City
Chamber Orchestra, Topeka Symphony, Newark
Symphony Orchestra, and Nittany Valley
Symphony.

Brooklynne McGonagle is a versatile French horn performer and educator currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Kansas, where she also earned her Master of Music. McGonagle’s accolades include a semi-finalist spot at the Ljubljana Festival International Competition and finalist positions in several concerto competitions. She has performed with notable ensembles including the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, Omaha Symphony, and Valdosta Symphony Orchestra. As a chamber musician, she is a founding member of The Midway Brass and Cones Trio and has appeared in multiple university and regional ensembles. A passionate educator, McGonagle serves as Adjunct Professor of French horn at Baker University and a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Kansas, where she also directs the Volleyball Band. She is a staff member at the Cormont Horn Camp, where she assists with camp operations and supports educational programming. She is a dedicated mentor, committed to fostering the next generation of horn players.

Keith Popiel is an undergraduate trumpeter pursuing a degree in Music Education at The University of Kansas. Keith has been member of several prestigious ensembles including the KU Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensembles, athletic bands, and joined The Midway Brass Quintet in Spring 2024.

In February 2025, Keith made his international debut with The Midway Brass Quintet at the Festival Ljubljana International Competition for Brass Quartets and Quintets, and as featured guests at the American Pavilion for the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, Japan.

Throughout High School, Keith performed with the Kansas All-State Band for four years and performed with the 2022 National Youth Wind Ensemble in Washington, D.C. He has also participated in numerous camps and clinics throughout Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, and was an honored guest of the Welsh Guard Band in London, England.

Keith currently studies with KU trumpet Professor Steve Leisring and Dr. Aaron Romm.

Nic Weaver is a Kansas City-based trumpeter, multi-instrumentalist, and composer currently studying music at the University of Kansas. In 2024, Nic joined the Midway Brass, an internationally recognized brass quintet featuring graduate and undergraduate students. An active freelancer in Kansas City, Nic performs at weddings and private events across the world with the Crossroad Sound. Some other notable achievements of Nic's include performing in the pit orchestra for "Annie" at the Kauffman Center (2025), performance at the World Expo in Osaka Japan with The Midway Brass (2025), and performance at the international Ljubljana Festival with the Midway Brass (2025). In addition to playing the trumpet, Nic spends time composing, arranging, and recording music across diverse genres. He has recorded for clients across 50 different countries on trumpet, trombone, French horn, saxophone, and piano.