Chicago Brass Band Wins Wurst Friday Competition, Earns Second "Triple Bell" Trophy of 2026

The Chicago Brass Band is thrilled to announce that we have won First Place at the 2026 Wurst Friday March Music Competition, part of the Wurst Brass Festival in Iowa!

This victory marks a special milestone for the band, as it is our first-ever win at Wurst Friday. Even more exciting, the victory brings home our second "Triple Bell" trophy of 2026. Earlier this year, the band earned the first Triple Bell trophy at the Gateway Brass Band Championships, making Chicago Brass Band the proud custodians of two Triple Bell trophies.

While we're honored by the result, what makes Wurst Friday such a memorable event goes far beyond the competition itself. The Wurst Brass Festival has quickly become one of the highlights of the brass band calendar, bringing together outstanding ensembles for a weekend that celebrates great music, great food, and great friendships. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was welcoming, festive, and full of enthusiasm for brass banding.

Throughout the day, band members enjoyed reconnecting with friends from other ensembles, listening to excellent performances, and soaking in the unique spirit of the festival. One of the joys of events like Wurst Friday is the opportunity to hear so many different bands, each bringing its own personality, sound, and style to the stage. The level of musicianship on display was inspiring, and we were proud to share the event with such talented performers.

Of course, no trip to the Wurst Brass Festival would be complete without enjoying some bratwurst and taking part in the festivities that make the event so unique. Between performances, our members enjoyed the food, games, and camaraderie that have become trademarks of the festival. The combination of serious music-making and lighthearted fun creates an experience unlike any other competition.

We are grateful to the organizers, volunteers, adjudicators, sponsors, and audience members who made the event possible. Their hard work and dedication continue to create a wonderful environment where brass bands can perform, compete, and connect.

Most importantly, we want to congratulate all of the participating bands. The friendships and shared passion for music that bring us together are what make events like Wurst Friday truly special. Thank you to everyone who cheered us on, both in person and online. We look forward to seeing you at our next performance!