Press Kit

Booking Contact: David Woolpert
dwoolpert@me.com
(608) 206-5573

About the Band

The Madison Brass Band is a group that performs in the British brass band tradition. While a brass band appears similarly to an orchestra or concert band, a brass band does not utilize strings or woodwinds, relying entirely on uniquely talented brass players to create a listening experience unlike any other. The group is comprised of 25-30 local musicians, with many members serving in the field of music education all over the state of Wisconsin.

History

The Madison Brass Band was founded in 2002, and has proudly performed at the following venues and events:

  • North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) Championship (Nationwide)
  • Wurst Brass Festival (Amana, IA)
  • U.S. Open Brass Band Championship (St. Charles, IL)
  • Grand Celebration of Brass Bands (Amana, IA)
  • Brass at the Border Competition (Milton, WI)
  • Al Ringling Theatre (Baraboo, WI)
  • Concerts on the Square (Baraboo, WI)
  • Old World Wisconsin (Eagle, WI)
  • Stoughton Opera House (Stoughton, WI)
  • and more!

About Brass Bands

The genre originated in Britain in the 19th century, exploding in popularity among industrial communities, schools, and military groups. Initially gathering to perform music from local church hymn books, the brass bands have since expanded their repertoire to include marches, contest music, and popular songs, as well as an expressive and ethereal style of original composition that harnesses the distinctive sounds available to a British brass band.

What You’ll Hear

The most common question we get is “So what will you be playing?” and the easiest answer is: a little of everything!

  • Marches, both British and American
  • Landmark classical excerpts
  • Operatic arias
  • Classic American jazz standards
  • Film soundtrack favorites
  • Original compositions from composers all over the world

A Madison Brass Band concert is typically tailored to take advantage of the current season, ranging from our festive holiday presentations, to lighthearted summer pops material, and everywhere in between.

Videos

The President, a “Quick march” in the British brass band tradition.
Alexander’s Ragtime Band, an American jazz standard
Frosty the Snowman, a solo for the Eb tuba

Photos

The Front Row Cornets
Euphoniums & Baritones
The Trombone Section
Al Ringling Theatre 2023 (Baraboo, WI)
The band at NABBA 2024 (Huntsville, AL)
Wurstfest 2024 (Amana, IA)

Recommended Venues

While the Madison Brass Band is committed to cultural education in the art of brass bands, some venue types are preferred on account of the physical space, accessibility, and volume conditions required for a performance to be a success for all involved. Some of our favorite performance spaces have included:

  • University/college/high school auditoriums
  • Churches, cathedrals, and other worship spaces
  • Outdoor summer park concert series
  • Senior living and retirement communities