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THE CHICAGO BRASS BAND
The wide variety of literature and versatile 30-piece size of the Chicago Brass Band enables us to perform in diverse settings, including:
• Performing arts centers, theaters, and houses of worship
• Universities, schools, libraries, and educational institutions
• Festivals, parades, civic celebrations, and public ceremonies
• Corporate events, galas, weddings, and private functions
• Collaborative concerts with orchestras, choirs, and other ensembles
• Community concerts, outdoor series, and senior living venues
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For smaller venues we offer The Chicago Brass Band Players (our championship 10-piece brass choir), brass quintet, brass quintet +1, trombone quartet, and brass trios to match the musical needs of virtually any occasion.
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The unique sound of the brass band is achieved by utilizing a specific formula of brass instruments. Cornets are used for the soprano voice, rather than using the brighter trumpets of a wind ensemble or symphonic band. Solo flugel horn, Eb tenor horns and Bb baritone horns replace the french horns for the middle voices. The bass section is layered with the various rich, dark sounds of euphoniums, tenor trombones, bass trombone, Eb tubas, and Bb tubas. The ensemble is completed by three percussionists who use all percussion disciplines. By using this combination of instruments, the ensemble achieves a rich harmonic "voice", emulating the sound of a pipe organ. It is this sound or "voice" that gives the brass band its own unique style.
The goal of the Chicago Brass Band is to perform music of the highest quality that is both technically challenging and entertaining for the audience. The group performs music composed specifically for brass bands as well as traditional classical, jazz, modern and American literature arranged for brass band.
TYPES OF MUSIC WE PLAY
SMALL ENSEMBLES
You need brass but not the full ensemble?
Consider the CBB Players or CBB Quintet!
CHICAGO BRASS BAND PLAYERS
"exuding energy, excitement and precision"
2010 NABBA Ensemble Competition 2nd Place
2006 NABBA Ensemble Competition Winners
2005 NABBA Ensemble Competition Winners
2004 NABBA Ensemble Competition 2nd Place
2003 NABBA Ensemble Competition Winners
The Chicago Brass Band Players is a versatile 10-piece brass choir that serves as a fund raising and public relations arm of the Chicago Brass Band. All fees collected by the ensemble go to support its parent organization. It is modeled after the legendary Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, and a large portion of its repertoire was composed or arranged for that world class English organization that pioneered the development of the modern brass choir. Programs typically include early brass music from the 17th century (Gabrieli, Byrd, Purcell), classics by master composers (Bach, Handel, Mozart, Wagner, Bizet, Gershwin, Joplin, Sousa), featured soloists, music for smaller groups (four, five, six) and original compositions in classical, jazz and popular styles. The ensemble also offers a religious program appropriate for Christmas celebrations.
CHICAGO BRASS BAND QUINTET
The Chicago Brass Band Quintet is one of a number of small brass ensembles comprised of musicians who are also members of the larger parent ensemble, Chicago Brass Band. Formed in 2002, CBBQ has performed throughout the Chicago area in concerts, festivals, private parties, weddings, governmental ceremonies, corporate events and the like. As a "traditional" brass quintet with a core of trumpets, French horn, trombone and tuba, the music and style of this group are anything but traditional. Whatever type of music is called for, CBBQ delivers with a combination of technique, musicality, energy and "Chicago Style." Classical, pop, jazz, ragtime, stomps, big band, swing, show tunes and marches have all been on the bill at a vast array of venues. Garfield Park Conservatory, Adler Planetarium, Chicago Botanic Garden, Cantigny Park, Navy Pier and Lincoln Park Zoo are but a few examples.
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
Project Horizon is a comprehensive program developed by the Chicago Brass Band to promote and enhance the performance and enjoyment of live music by young musicians in public schools throughout Illinois. Through collaborative concerts, workshops, and clinics, we strive to awaken, inspire, and engage young musicians with the knowledge, hope, and belief that they can and should continue to perform and enjoy live music at a high level, even if they do not pursue music as their chosen profession.