The Illinois Brass Band, Hitting All The Right Notes For 25 Years
The Illinois Brass Band, founded in 1991 by George Foster and William Holmer, will be celebrating their 25th anniversary with a gala concert at 7 p.m., Saturday, June 11, 2016. The free concert will take place in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights.
The Illinois Brass Band, a British style brass band, was organized after a U.S. tour of the famed Desford Colliery Caterpillar Band of the United Kingdom. Mr. Foster and Mr. Holmer attended a concert on this tour and were so impressed that they decided to organize a band in the British brass band style. The Boosey and Hawkes Instrument Company, then located in Libertyville, provided early sponsorship of The Illinois Brass Band by providing instruments, a rehearsal venue and financial support. A group of volunteer musicians were recruited and gave their first concert on November 10, 1991. During the ensuing 25 years, the band has performed hundreds of concerts throughout the United States and can be found performing summer concerts throughout the Northwest suburban area. In 2003, the band became the first non-commonwealth band in 151 years to be invited to participate in the prestigious British Open Brass Band Championships held in Birmingham, England. The band regularly participates in the North American Brass Band Association Championships, as well as the U.S. Open Brass Band Championships.
The anniversary concert will feature appearances by all four former Music Directors; Bruce Briney, Colin Holman, Peter Lipari, and Ryan Nelson, as well as our current Music Director, Stephen Squires. The band will be performing the world premiere of "Fanfare of Commemoration" composed by IBB Artistic Advisor Andrew Wainwright. The piece was commissioned and written for IBB on this occasion of their 25th anniversary. Musical selections will include pieces performed throughout the history of the band. Musical offerings will range from classical, baroque, Americana, marches, overtures, hymns, and show tunes.
When asked recently to comment on his association with The Illinois Brass Band, Music Director Stephen Squires remarked, "My association with the IBB has been long and fruitful, and one of which I am most proud. I am grateful for all of the current players, as well as the former players and Music Directors who have so thoughtfully tended to this wonderful tradition, and so beautifully contributed to its musical and organizational health."
Illinois House Resolution HR0824, approved on Thursday, May 12, 2016, officially declares June 11, 2016 as Illinois Brass Band Day in the state of Illinois.
The Illinois Brass Band is an all-volunteer group dedicated to bringing the finest brass band music to audiences throughout the area. The Illinois Brass Band is an IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt and Illinois nonprofit corporation and is supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. Please visit illinoisbrassband.org for more information.