The Georgia Brass Band was founded in the spring of 1999 by co-founders Joe Johnson and Christopher Priest. Under the leadership of Joe Johnson, who served as conductor from the ensemble’s inception through 2023, the band developed into a significant contributor to the brass band tradition in the southeastern United States. During his tenure, the Georgia Brass Band performed regularly at regional, national, and international conferences and achieved success at national competitions. Central to Johnson’s legacy was his role in fostering a strong and enduring brass band culture within the state of Georgia.
Following Johnson’s departure, Michael Kobito was appointed conductor of the Georgia Brass Band. This performance represents the ensemble’s first appearance at a North American Brass Band Association competition under his direction.
Throughout its history, the Georgia Brass Band has collaborated with numerous distinguished international soloists, including Richard Marshall, Phil Smith, and Øystein Baadsvik among others. These collaborations have significantly contributed to the ensemble’s artistic breadth and have reinforced its commitment to excellence.
As the Georgia Brass Band enters this new chapter, it remains dedicated to honoring its founding principles, growing musically and artistically, and to continue to spread the love of brass banding.