Celebrating A Legacy of Excellence

Awards & Honors

For over two decades, the Fountain City Brass Band has earned international recognition for its exceptional artistry, innovation, and musical impact. From championship titles to accolades for individual musicianship, our journey has been marked by dedication, passion, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

Through the Years

The Fountain City Brass Band has earned international acclaim through a series of standout performances that showcase its exceptional artistry and innovative programming. From multiple championship wins at the North American Brass Band Championships to representing North America at numerous international events, the ensemble consistently raises the bar for American brass banding. Highlights include collaborative concerts with world-renowned soloists, premieres of groundbreaking works, and electrifying performances at prestigious venues and festivals across the globe.

April 5, 2025

Record-Tying Triumph at NABBA

Fountain City Brass Band made history by tying the record for the most North American Brass Band Championship titles. This remarkable achievement reflects the band’s enduring excellence, musical artistry, and leadership within the brass band movement across the continent.

April 5, 2025

July 9, 2024

Fountain of Faith Concert

Fountain City Brass Band delivered a captivating performance at the Kauffman Center as the featured ensemble for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians’ Gala Concert. In a powerful showcase of Kansas City’s finest talent, the band joined forces with renowned organist Jan Kraybill and the acclaimed William Baker Festival Singers, leaving the audience inspired by an unforgettable evening of music.

July 9, 2024

January 25, 2023

MMEA Return

Fountain City made a celebrated return to the Missouri Music Educators Association Conference, delivering a powerful ‘President’s Concert’ that highlighted the band’s artistry and continued commitment to music education.

January 25, 2023

July 15, 2022

Fountain City ‘Wows’ at International Trombone Festival

With guest artists Christian Lindberg, Brian Hecht, Yu Tamaki Hoso, Tony Baker, and Michael Dease, the band delivered a scintillating gala concert at the 2022 festival.

July 15, 2022

September 15, 2021

We’re Back!

Following a 619-day pause due to COVID-19, the band finally came together again, marking an emotional and long-awaited reunion.

September 15, 2021

September 19 - 20, 2020

Virtual Champions

In the summer of 2020, as the global music community shifted toward virtual performances, the Cory Band launched the inaugural Cory Band Online Brass Band Championships. Fountain City Brass Band was honored to take first place in the top division of this groundbreaking international event.

September 19 - 20, 2020

Summer 2019

Sky Arts Television

The ultra-competitive world of brass band competitions comes under the spotlight in a new four-part documentary series on Sky Arts. Fountain City is featured throughout episode 4.

Summer 2019

May 29 - June 2, 2018

First Brass & Percussion Camp

The Missouri Western State University & Fountain City Brass Band Summer Camp was established. It would later become the National Youth Brass Band of America.

May 29 - June 2, 2018

November 19, 2017

Brass in Concert

Fountain City finishes second place, behind reigning European Brass Band Champions, Eikanger-Bjorsvik Musikklag, and ahead of legendary bands such as Foden’s, Cory (then #1 ranked band in the word), Grimethorpe, and Brighouse & Rastrick.

November 19, 2017

September 6-11, 2016

Scotfest

Fountain City returns to the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival

September 6-11, 2016

December 18, 2015

Midwest Clinic

Performance with guest artists: Wycliffe Gordon, Jens Lindemann, Rex Richardson, Jose Sibaja, and Ryan Anthony.

December 18, 2015

May 23, 2014

International Tuba & Euphonium Conference

at Indiana University. 40th Anniversary convention Gala Concert. Guests soloists: David Childs, Steven Mead, Oystein Baadsvik, and Steve Rosse.

May 23, 2014

May 26, 2013

Celebration at the Station

with the Kansas City Symphony, televised on PBS

May 26, 2013

October 21, 2012

10th Anniversary Concert

In the Kauffman Center with special guests Bryan Busby, Marty Hacklemen, Wycliffe Gordon, and Jens Lindemann.

October 21, 2012

March 3, 2011

Nebraska Bandmasters Association

50th anniversary convention gala concert

March 3, 2011

February 13, 2010

Hymn of the Highlands

This concert was name a top five concert experience of the year by KC Metropolis Magazine.

February 13, 2010

November 28, 2009

Scottish Open Win!

First American band to win a brass band competition in the United Kingdom.

November 28, 2009

June 12-15, 2008

Great American Brass Band Festival

Danville, Kentucky

June 12-15, 2008

May 23-June 4, 2007

First International Tour

England & Scotland

May 23-June 4, 2007

January 26, 2007

Missouri Music Educators Association

President’s Concert, Lake of the Ozarks, MO

January 26, 2007

February 23, 2006

Kansas Music Educators Association

President’s Concert, Wichita, Kansas

February 23, 2006

June 27, 2005

Missouri Bandmasters Association

Gala Concert, Osage Beach, Missouri

June 27, 2005

November 6, 2004

First Contest Appearance

U.S. Open Brass Band Championships in Arlington Heights, Illinois

November 6, 2004

February 13, 2003

Great Plains Regional Tuba & Euphonium Conference Gala Concert

Helen Tyler, Guest Artist

February 13, 2003

September 22, 2002

Inaugural Concert

UMKC White Hall

September 22, 2002

Major Championships & Titles

North American Brass Band Championships

2025 - 1st Place
2024 - 2nd Place
2023 - 2nd Place
2022 - 1st Place
2021 - No Competition
2020 - No Competition
2019 - 1st Place
2018 - 1st Place
2017 - 2nd Place
2016 - 1st Place
2015 - 2nd Place
2014 - 2nd Place
2013 - 2nd Place
2012 - 2nd Place
2011 - 2nd Place
2010 - 1st Place
2009 - 1st Place
2008 - 1st Place
2007 - 1st Place
2006 - 3rd Place
2005 - 4th Place

Brass in Concert Championships

2023 - 5th Place
2018 - 5th Place
2017 - 2nd Place
2009 - 7th Place

All-England International Masters

2011 - 4th Place
2007 - 9th Place

Cory Band Online Championships

2021 - 1st Place
2007 - 9th Place

U.S. Open Brass Band Championships

2021 - 1st Place
2020 - No Competition
2019 - 1st Place
2016 - 1st Place
2015 - 2nd Place
2014 - 1st Place
2013 - 1st Place
2012 - 1st Place
2011 - 1st Place
2010 - 2ndPlace
2009 - 1st Place
2008 - 1st Place
2007 - 1st Place
2006 - 3rd Place
2005 - 4th Place
2004 - 2nd Place

Scottish Open

2017 - 3rd Place
2009 - 1st Place

Gateway Championships

2025 - 1st Place
2024 - 1st Place
2023 - 1st Place
2022 - 1st Place

Euro Brass Drachten

2010 - 6th Place

Whit Friday Championships

2007
Dobcross - 5th Place
Uppermill - 7th Place
Grotten - 14th Place
Lees - 24th Place