Our Season

​The Chicago Academy Brass Band (CABB) is a premier youth brass and percussion program dedicated to inspiring young musicians through the exciting tradition of the British brass band. Rehearsals will run from November 9 through April 26, typically Monday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. 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.

• Compete at either the Gateway Brass Band Championships in Lebanon, Illinois, March 13, or the North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) Championships in Fort Wayne, Indiana, April 9-10, TBD based on band members' availability. (Competition attendance is highly encouraged but optional.)

• 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.​

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Our goal is to create a welcoming but ambitious musical environment where students of many experience levels can thrive. Tuition for the season is $550. Travel, lodging, food costs, and a uniform shirt for the NABBA trip are additional.

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Installment plans are available. If tuition is a concern, please reach out to us at youthbands@chicagobrassband.org.

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Who Can Participate?

The Chicago Academy Brass Band welcomes motivated brass and percussion students in grades 7-12 from across the Chicagoland area.

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Eligible instruments include:

• Cornet (Trumpet players are encouraged to apply for this instrument)

• Flugel Horn

• Tenor Horn (French Horn students are encouraged to apply for this instrument. CABB will provide tenor horns for students to play during the season.)

• Baritone

• Euphonium

• Trombone

• Bass Trombone

• Tuba (Eb and Bb)

• Percussion (Timpani, Drum Set, Keyboard Percussion, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbals, Auxiliary Percussion)
   

Students do not need prior brass band experience to join. You can learn more about the functions of each of the instruments in the brass band here.

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Audition & Placement Information

Brass and percussion students in grades 7-12 are welcome to audition for the Chicago Academy Brass Band. Students are required to submit a short video demonstrating their playing ability so that our music director can make thoughtful decisions about part assignments and music selection. If students are unable to record a video, please reach out to arrange an in-person audition.

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Video submission requirements:

• For Brass Players: Submit two contrasting pieces or excerpts: one lyrical selection (demonstrating tone, musical expression, phrasing) and one technical selection (demonstrating articulation, rhythm, flexibility).

• For Percussionists: Submit one melodic piece or excerpt on a mallet instrument of your choice and one snare drum piece or excerpt.

• Keep each piece or excerpt to approximately 1-3 minutes.

• If you recorded an audition for ILMEA this year, you may submit that video to meet the audition requirements.

• Please send to youthbands@chicagobrassband.org 

 

Click below to fill out your application form:​

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​Applications and video auditions will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and acceptance emails will be sent as decisions are made. Space is limited in each section to maintain a balanced ensemble, so we encourage you to submit your application and audition video early. Once accepted, you’ll receive instructions for confirming your spot and completing registration. Please wait to receive your acceptance email before paying tuition.​​

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Chicago Academy Brass Band Music Director

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 the 2026 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.