The Illinois Brass Band Celebrates with 35th Anniversary Concert

The Illinois Brass Band and Music Director Stephen Squires are pleased to announce the band’s upcoming 35 th Anniversary Concert. The performance will take place at 3:00 PM on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at Crimi Auditorium, located on the campus of Aurora University, 1347 Prairie Street, Aurora, IL.

Dr. Bruce Briney, IBB’s first Music Director, will open the concert with Stephen Bulla’s “A Festive Prelude.” This was the very first piece that the band performed at their inaugural concert in 1991.

“Trittico” by composer James Curnow, will be featured and represents the band’s first winning performance in the North American Brass Band Associations annual championships in 1996.

There will be many other brass band favorites, both old and new, on the program. We will also recognize past members of the ensemble as well as honoring those members who have passed.

Our guest soloist for the afternoon will be Mr. Timothy Higgins, principal trombonist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Higgins was appointed to that position at the beginning of the 2025 – 2026 season. The band will accompany Mr. Higgins on the Gordon Langford “Rhapsody for Trombone and Brass Band” as well as the Philip Sparke’s “Sambezi” for Trombone and Brass Band. These tour de force selections will showcase Mr. Higgins mastery of the trombone.

Crimi Auditorium is a stunning and intimate concert hall with limited seating, so get your tickets early. Advance tickets will be available beginning September 20 th through the band’s website at illinoisbrassband.org.

Adults: $25.00
Children: $15.00 (18 and under)
College Students: $15.00 (with current ID)

A limited number of tickets will be available at the door on the day of the performance.
We hope to see you on Sunday, November 1 st as we celebrate 35 years of making music together.

Upcoming events

Sunday, November 1, 2026
3:00 PM
IBB 35 th Anniversary Concert with special guest soloist
Crimi Audutorium
Aurora University
407 S. Calumet Avenue
Aurora, IL 60506
full list and details

Mailing List

Stay up to date on upcoming Illinois Brass Band performances and other news and events. Subscribe to the Illinois Brass Band Announcements Mailing List.