Bring on the brass! The North Carolina Brass Band (NCBB) is entering its 11th season. Founded by Brian Meixner in 2014, the 28-member ensemble is one of only a handful of professional brass bands in the United States.
“Most cities have a professional symphony orchestra. Many have professional jazz bands, choirs, or other types of musical ensembles. But very few communities have a professional brass band,” Meixner shared. “We should take pride that right here in the Triad, we have this nationally and internationally recognized ensemble.”
The NCBB has released two acclaimed albums, both praised in international journals and even distributed overseas. The ensemble has performed at prestigious events, including the Great American Brass Band Festival in Kentucky, the Best of Our State Festival in Pinehurst, and most recently, a national brass festival in Washington, D.C.
NCBB’s programming is built with variety in mind. “In our concerts, you’ll hear a dozen musical selections or more, designed to keep the listener engaged,” Meixner explained. Audiences can expect everything from patriotic works to jazz, pops, orchestral transcriptions, movie soundtracks, and family-friendly multimedia performances.
This season promises something for every member of the family. The Brass and Blue Ridge concerts in September explored the history of brass band music while celebrating the beauty of Appalachian North Carolina.
In December, NCBB will launch the new NCBB Chorale, a 100-member choir joining forces with the band for a holiday spectacular. And in early 2025, the group will present Peter and the Wolf alongside a live soundtrack performance of the Wallace and Gromit classic The Wrong Trousers.
For Meixner, what makes these performances special is both the music and the people. “The joy I see from our concert attendees, the notes and emails I get afterward, that’s what it’s all about,” he said. “We’re providing an outlet and giving local brass players the opportunity to do something they love. The musicians are amazing, and many folks will tell you the NCBB is one of the finest ensembles in the region. We’re sort of a hidden gem, but we won’t remain hidden.”
The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro has been a proud supporter of NCBB, helping the organization connect, grow, and share its artistry with more people. “The ACGG makes us feel welcome, like we’re important and included in this arts community”.
The North Carolina Brass Band regularly performs in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and beyond.
