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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
September 6-11, 2016
Scotfest
Fountain City returns to the Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival
December 18, 2015
Midwest Clinic
Performance with guest artists: Wycliffe Gordon, Jens Lindemann, Rex Richardson, Jose Sibaja, and Ryan Anthony.
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 26, 2013
Celebration at the Station
with the Kansas City Symphony, televised on PBS
October 21, 2012
10th Anniversary Concert
In the Kauffman Center with special guests Bryan Busby, Marty Hacklemen, Wycliffe Gordon, and Jens Lindemann.
March 3, 2011
Nebraska Bandmasters Association
50th anniversary convention gala concert
February 13, 2010
Hymn of the Highlands
This concert was name a top five concert experience of the year by KC Metropolis Magazine.
November 28, 2009
Scottish Open Win!
First American band to win a brass band competition in the United Kingdom.
June 12-15, 2008
Great American Brass Band Festival
Danville, Kentucky
May 23-June 4, 2007
First International Tour
England & Scotland
January 26, 2007
Missouri Music Educators Association
President’s Concert, Lake of the Ozarks, MO
February 23, 2006
Kansas Music Educators Association
President’s Concert, Wichita, Kansas
June 27, 2005
Missouri Bandmasters Association
Gala Concert, Osage Beach, Missouri
November 6, 2004
First Contest Appearance
U.S. Open Brass Band Championships in Arlington Heights, Illinois
February 13, 2003
Great Plains Regional Tuba & Euphonium Conference Gala Concert
Helen Tyler, Guest Artist
September 22, 2002
Inaugural Concert
UMKC White Hall
Major Championships & Titles
North American Brass Band Championships
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
2018 - 5th Place
2017 - 2nd Place
2009 - 7th Place
All-England International Masters
2007 - 9th Place
Cory Band Online Championships
2007 - 9th Place
U.S. Open Brass Band Championships
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
2009 - 1st Place
Gateway Championships
2024 - 1st Place
2023 - 1st Place
2022 - 1st Place
Euro Brass Drachten
Whit Friday Championships
Dobcross - 5th Place
Uppermill - 7th Place
Grotten - 14th Place
Lees - 24th Place
