Kansas City, Missouri —
The US Masters Brass Band Championships returned to Staley High School this weekend, hosted with efficiency and warm hospitality by the Fountain City Brass Band. Six ensembles made the journey to Kansas City for a day of spirited competition, new repertoire, and a reaffirmation of the growing depth of American brass banding.
Dallas Brass Band Claims Division 1 Title
Dallas Brass Band produced a well-structured and confident performance that earned them first place in Division 1, supported by their percussion team’s win in the Outstanding Percussion category. Their musical consistency across the day ultimately secured the top spot.
Division 1 Results
- Dallas Brass Band
- Frontier Brass Band
- Iowa Brass
Frontier Brass Band Impresses Across the Awards Table
In addition to securing second place, Frontier Brass Band made one of the strongest impressions of the weekend, collecting a notable slate of individual honors and the Most Entertaining Band award. Frontier took home:
- Most Entertaining Band
- Outstanding Soloist (Trombone)
- Outstanding Soprano
- Outstanding Cornet
- Outstanding Trombone
Their program blended character, color, and technical assurance — traits that clearly resonated with both judges and audiences.
Iowa Brass and Tulsa Shine in Section Awards
Iowa Brass, finishing third in Division 1, earned three key accolades:
- Outstanding Flugelhorn
- Outstanding Baritone
- Outstanding Euphonium
Meanwhile, Tulsa Brass Band, competing in Division 2, won Outstanding Bass Section, highlighting the ensemble’s strong foundation and cohesive sound.
Division 2 Results
- Fountain City United
- Free State Brass Band
- Tulsa Brass Band
Competing on home ground, Fountain City United delivered a poised, well-balanced performance to claim top honors in Division 2, ahead of determined challenges from Free State Brass Band and Tulsa Brass Band.
Grant Jameson’s Friska Inferno Awarded Outstanding New Work
A standout feature of the weekend was the recognition of Grant Jameson’s arrangement of Friska Inferno as Outstanding New Work. Electrifying, virtuosic, and full of rhythmic drive, the piece captured the audience’s attention and provided one of the day’s most memorable musical highlights.
A Weekend of Connection and Craft
As always, the US Masters showcased more than competition — it reaffirmed the camaraderie, creativity, and shared enthusiasm that define the American brass band movement. With strong participation and rising standards across both divisions, the event continues to grow as a centerpiece of the national banding calendar.
The next US Masters will take place November 15th, 2026.
