Play like the professionals.
Who we are
Brass Witch accessories was founded by Met Opera Hornist Barbara Jöstlein Currie and Emma Currie in 2022. The inspiration came about from a trip to the Musée des Artes et Métiers, an industrial design museum founded in 1794 in Paris. In it’s gift shop, Barbara bought a pencil which had a small magnet embedded within the cap.
At a Met rehearsal in early 2020, she discovered that the pencil would stick to the stand, but the magnet wasn't strong enough to hold, so it would spiral slowly down the stand landing on the floor. This was certainly entertaining, but more than that, lightning struck.
Designed in Chelsea, made in Brazil:
With extra time on her hands during the pandemic, Barbara experimented using different materials, colors, magnet types and strengths to create the first prototypes.
While the Met Orchestra was furloughed, Barbara helped organize many activities for the MET Orchestra Musicians, including programming high profile concerts and organizing masterclasses. One of her favorite projects was organizing a series of Brass masterclasses with members of the Met Brass section and Marcus Bonna’s school, the Lyra Bragança. After three successful classes, she realized that perhaps Marcus Bonna could help manufacture her product.
It was a natural fit for Brass Witch to partner with Marcus Bonna to create the product, using their years of experience producing high quality instrument cases to create professional quality straps. The partnership was formed in July 2021, and they soon started perfecting the product.
Barbara applied for a patent in 2021 , should receive the patent in early 2025. The name “Brass Witch” is trademarked.
Why Brass Witch?
This product is the first new product of its kind made for all types of brass instruments, allowing you to remove and attach a pencil quickly. The innovative design won’t scratch or mark up the instrument like the current hard plastic option does.
The use of strong NeoDymium “rare Earth” magnets is a perfect way to secure the pencil, write down notes, and reapply while only using one hand.
Brass Witch users have talked about being ‘converts’ when using the accessory because of the magnet’s pull. Try it once, and you’ll be under it's spell!
Brass Witch is a women and family owned business, run by Barbara Currie and Emma Currie.