The Illinois Brass Band—Hitting All the Right Notes

Inspired and enthused by the 1990 American tour of the United Kingdom's Desford Colliery Caterpillar Band, George Foster and William Homer founded the Illinois Brass Band in 1991, which is the most senior of Illinois' brass bands. IBB adopted the British tradition and dedicated itself to bringing the finest British-style brass band music to audiences in Chicago and across the Midwest. Through its performances, recordings, and participation in competitions and festivals, IBB continues to demonstrate its excitement for brass band music to general audiences and brass aficionados alike.

the growth of the Illinois Brass Band paralleled its membership in and the growth of the North American Brass Band Association (NABBA). IBB entered its first NABBA competition in 1993 and achieved a first-place showing in NABBA's Honors Division in 1994. Graduating to the more competitive Championship Division, the band accomplished an unprecedented string of six NABBA championships in seven years (1996–2002). IBB also won the 1999 NABBA Audio Tape Competition, entitling IBB to represent NABBA at that year's Great American Brass Band Festival. Complementing its success in NABBA competitions, IBB was honored by an invitation to attend the 2003 British Open Brass Band Championships—the first brass band ever from outside the British Commonwealth to compete in this prestigious event.

In addition to participation in competitions, IBB's concert performances have astonished audiences with the power, virtuosity, and beauty of the British-style brass band and the breadth of its repertoire. Informal summer concerts and formal indoor concerts have kept the band fully engaged since its inception. IBB has also showcased exceptional guest soloists, including internationally renowned euphonium virtuosi Robert and David Childs, CSO second trombonist Michael Mulcahy, brass band cornet soloist Roger Webster, and brass band trombone soloist Brett Baker. IBB also gave the world premier of three compositions for brass band, most recently the IBB-commissioned work Brass Rush by Chicago composer Augusta Read Thomas. IBB made five recordings during the period 1995–2004. These recordings continue to provide a modest revenue stream to the band while offering audiences desirable holiday gifts.

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