Chicago Academy Brass Band Auditions Open through October 26 (youth grades 7-12)

We’re excited to announce the 2026-2027 season of the Chicago Academy Brass Band (CABB)! CABB is a youth brass and percussion ensemble for students in grades 7-12, offering students the opportunity to experience the unique world of British-style brass banding while developing their musical skills, confidence, and friendships with other young musicians from throughout Chicagoland.

This season, CABB will rehearse on Monday evenings from 6:30-8:30 PM, November 9 through April 26, at Rolling Meadows High School.

Students will have the opportunity to:

• Perform side-by-side with the award-winning Chicago Brass Band for a concert December 19 and another TBD in late April or early May. 

• Participate in a special clinic with Philip Harper, conductor of the Cory Band, one of the world's leading brass bands on the evening of March 20. The Cory Band recently won the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain. Philip led a similar clinic with the youth band and with other Chicagoland schools this past spring. The students made remarkable progress in a short time, and they had a fantastic time doing it!

• Compete at the North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) Championships in Fort Wayne, Indiana, April 9-10. CABB will be the first youth brass band from Illinois ever to compete at NABBA!

• Learn and perform challenging brass band repertoire while developing ensemble skills, musical independence, and confidence.

• Build friendships with brass and percussion students from schools throughout the Chicago area.

  
  

No previous experience with brass banding is necessary, and students of all ability levels are welcome to audition. Whether your student is an experienced musician looking for a new challenge or is simply curious about what a brass band is all about, we’d love to have them join us. Apply by October 26 for priority consideration. Late applications accepted as space allows.

Leading CABB this season is music director Andy Malovance, an outstanding musician and educator who brings both world-class brass band experience and a genuine passion for working with young musicians. Andy is the Principal Solo Cornet of the Chicago Brass Band and has performed and competed with the band around the world. He has also earned multiple NABBA solo titles and was named Most Outstanding Brass Soloist at the 2013 U.S. Open Brass Band Championships. Just as importantly, Andy is an experienced music educator and conductor, with degrees in music education and conducting and years of experience working with middle school, youth orchestra, and brass band musicians. Students at this year’s Youth Brass Day got a taste of his energy, musical knowledge, and ability to bring out the best in a group, and we’re thrilled that he’ll be leading CABB throughout the 2026-2027 season. 

Key Information:

When: Mondays, 6:30-8:30 PM, November 9, 2026-April 26, 2027

Who: Brass and percussion students in grades 7–12

Where: Rolling Meadows High School

Tuition: $550 for the season

NABBA: April 9-10, 2027, Fort Wayne, Indiana. CABB will pay for the band and competition registration fees, but travel, lodging, food costs, and a uniform shirt for the NABBA trip are additional.

Installment plans are available. If tuition is a concern, please reach out to us. We want cost to be as little a barrier as possible for students who would like to participate. 

For more information on the application and audition process, please visit the Chicago Academy Brass Band website: https://www.chicagobrassband.org/youthseason

Please share this opportunity with your brass and percussion students, families, and colleagues. We’re looking forward to building an exciting season together and making Illinois brass band history in Fort Wayne!

Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions at youthbands@chicagobrassband.org.