The Altoona Brass Collective, Blair County’s professional brass band, released its first professional album last week — a way to share its music during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We knew that the pandemic was bringing about many challenges for live music to be performed, especially as the weather turned colder and events needed to move indoors,” said member Scott Sheehan of Hollidaysburg. “Shortly after we finished the recording (in October), the group made the tough decision to not perform live for any events this holiday season due to the risk it could bring for the musicians and their families. We were very thankful to have had the opportunity to make these recordings so folks could still hear the sounds of the Altoona Brass Collective through the holidays and beyond with this collection of beautiful arrangements.”

The CD is called “Hymns and Holidays” and features five traditional hymns and five holiday arrangements, all custom-written for the group by Scott Pappal, ABC’s artistic director and horn player. Pappal did most of the editing at Data Music Services in Altoona.

Kelly Myers, who plays the French horn with ABC, designed the CD cover and assisted with post-recording editing in the studio. Even the printing of the CD materials were printed locally by the Pressbox.

“We’re extremely proud that our CD was done entirely locally, by our own citizens,” Pappal said.

The 10-song album includes the hymns “Almighty Fortress is Our God,” “Amazing Grace,” “It is Well with My Soul” and “On Eagles Wings.” Holiday selections are “In Dulci Jubilo,” “Go Tell it on the Mountain,” “Angels by Moonlight” and others.

“These selections showcase us at our most original and most unique, in terms of both writing and the group performance. No one else is doing anything like this, and we’re proud of that. You can’t go buy anything else that sounds like this ensemble,” Pappal said.

The CD is available in digital, downloadable for $12 or can be ordered for $12 plus $3 for shipping. For more information, visit https://altoonabrasscollective.com/hymns-and-holidays/.

Additionally, copies are available at Mayfield Eatery, 205 Allegheny St. in Hollidaysburg or at Bandman Rental & Repair, 5828 Ohio Ave., Altoona.