Made up of dedicated, amateur musicians the Eastern Iowa Brass Band is dedicated to the performance of brass band

Brass band

A brass band is a musical ensemble generally consisting entirely of brass instruments, most often with a percussion section. Ensembles that include brass and woodwind instruments can in certain traditions also be termed brass bands , but are usually more correctly termed military bands, concert...

 literature in the style and tradition of the British brass bands which date back to the early nineteenth century and still flourish today.

Founded in 1985, the EIBB is the only band of its kind in the state of Iowa. Audiences throughout the midwest delight in the fun and enthusiasm of the EIBB in concert. In their 1900s style costumes, the band is reminiscent of the 'town band' seen in communities all across the country 100 years ago.

Members come from a variety of backgrounds, drawn together to share a fervent dedication to the perfection of the brass band musical tradition.

History of the band

The Eastern Iowa Brass Band grew from a brass ensemble that was part of the Mt. Vernon, Iowa, City Band in 1985 after Don Stine, director of the city band, attended a seminar on the growing brass band movement in the United States. Regular rehearsals began soon thereafter, and the band competed in its first North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) Championship in April 1986 where they placed second in their class. The strong showing at such a prestigious competition prompted the founders to incorporate and formed the foundation for what is now one of the most prominent amateur brass bands in the country.

Directors

1985-1986 Kurt Claussen

1986-1989 Steve Wright

1989-1991 Dr. Alan Stang

1991-2001 John W. de Salme

2001-2002 Thomas L. Nelson

2003-2004 Don Stine

2004-2007 Earle Dickinson

2007-2010 Casey Thomas

2010-2011 Joshua Thompson

2011- present Kate Wohlman

The Music

British band instrumentation features horns which are conical in design, producing a mellow, rich sound that is both dynamic and colorful. EIBB conforms to the unique British band style, characteristically limiting its instrumentation to brass, including cornets, flugelhorn, tenor horns, euphoniums, baritones, trombones, and tubas, as well as percussion.
The 35-member band performs from a repertoire which features original works for brass band, as well as arrangements of well known orchestral and wind band literature. In addition, featured soloists are frequently used in concert programs which also include marches, medleys, hymn tune

Hymn tune

A hymn tune is the melody of a musical composition to which a hymn text is sung. Musically speaking, a hymn is generally understood to have four-part harmony, a fast harmonic rhythm , and no refrain or chorus....

 arrangements, folk songs, American patriotic offerings, Broadway showtunes, and novelty features. The majority of the band's concert schedule takes place during the summer months for community celebrations, civic events, and countless special festivals. They have performed in a variety of settings, from ornate concert halls to outdoor parks.

The Eastern Iowa Brass Band hosts its own annual brass band festival in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The Grand Celebration of Brass Bands, attracts bands from all around the country. Local audiences can also hear the band at three annual subscription concerts presented in April, September, and December.

Awards

The EIBB has competed in the NABBA annual championship competition since 1986 and has been named division champions six times. They have also won seven NABBA video competitions. In 1991, the band was featured by the Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines...

in the Festival of American Folklife in Washington D.C. On six occasions EIBB has been invited to present a feature program at the annual convention of the Iowa Bandmasters Association, and recently performed to a sellout crowd at the American School Band Directors Association convention. The band captured 3rd place at the 2008 US Open Brass Band Championships in St. Charles, Illinois.

Recordings

Sweet Cornets (2009)
Music featuring the Cornet Section
http://easterniowabrassband.com/recordings/

Marching On (2004)
With the Eastern Iowa Brass Band
http://easterniowabrassband.com/recordings/

Show Business (2001)
Music from stage and screen
http://easterniowabrassband.com/recordings/

The Spirit of Christmas (2001)
Selections for the holiday season
http://easterniowabrassband.com/recordings/

Contest Music Live! (1999)
Competition performances 1997-1999, recorded live
http://easterniowabrassband.com/recordings/

Celebrate (1996)
Popular selections from their summer concert series
http://easterniowabrassband.com/recordings/

NABBA Championships (1996)
Competition performances 1995-1996, recorded live
http://easterniowabrassband.com/recordings/

Remembering World War II (video)
World War II 50th anniversary commemorative concert
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