Strike Up the Band

Dedicated to bringing British - style brass band music to audiences in Chicago and across the Midwest, George Foster and William Holmer founded The Illinois Brass Band in February of 1991 with assistance from Boosey and Hawkes. The band is composed of thirty volunteer musicians and is the most senior of Illinois' brass bands.

As a member of the North American Brass Band Association (NABBA), IBB attended its first competition in 1993. IBB won first place in NABBA's Honors Division in 1994 and followed with an unprecedented string of six championships in seven years (1996- 2002) in the Championship Division. IBB also represented NABBA at the Great American Brass Band Festival in 1999 and was honored to attend the 2003 British Open Brass Band Championships - the first brass band outside the British Commonwealth to compete in this prestigious event.

The band has released several recordings: A Christmas Fantasy; Championship Brass; Shakin'...not Stirred; Live and Kickin; Hark!; and most recently Cookin' With Brass. IBB has also showcased exceptional guest soloists, including internationally renowned euphonium virtuosi Robert and David Childs, cornet soloist Roger Webster, trombone soloist Brett Baker, euphonium soloist David Thornton, and tenor horn soloist Paul Bennett. IBB has astonished audiences with the power, virtuosity, and beauty of the British - style brass band and breadth of its repertoire. Through performances, recordings, and participation in competitions and festivals, IBB continues to bring the excitement of brass band music to general audiences and brass aficionados alike.

The Illinois Brass Band is an IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt and Illinois non-profit corporation and is supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

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Upcoming events

Friday, June 13, 2025

Wurst Brass Festival
Amana, IA

full list and details

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