About
Motor City Academy Brass Band (MCABB), formerly the Motor City Youth Brass Band, was founded in 2006 as the educational outreach ensemble of the Motor City Brass Band. MCABB is composed of high school-aged musicians and beyond, representing a wide range of musical backgrounds. Its primary ambition is to develop excellence in brass and percussion performance while introducing members to the traditions of British-style brass banding. MCABB has maintained a strong competitive presence, participating in the NABBA Championships from 2014–2018 and from 2022 to the present. The band earned second place in the Youth Division in 2017 and third place in the Third Section in both 2024 and 2025. Additionally, two soloists and one ensemble achieved top-three placements at NABBA. In 2024, MCABB made its debut at the US Open Brass Band Championships, earning second place in the Challenge Section, followed by a third-place finish in 2025. The band has worked with renowned guest clinicians Brett Baker, Nicholas Childs, Andy Esch, Philip Hannevik, Helen Harrelson, David King, Paul Lovatt-Cooper, John Madden, Christopher Ward, and Gordon Ward. MCABB performs annually at the MCBB’s Sounds of the Season concert, a pre-NABBA concert alongside MCBB and Five Lakes Silver Band, and regularly supports Salvation Army kettle drives. The mission of MCABB is to provide high-quality instruction and performing opportunities for brass players and percussionists in Southeastern Michigan using the traditional British brass band instrumentation. MCABB uses talented artistic direction, visionary leadership, and wide community involvement to ensure a successful experience. Accomplished faculty include: Zach Musienko (cornet), Jennifer Kmet (tenor horn), Scott Voytush (trombone), Iyla Miller (baritone and euphonium), Colin Holstein (tuba), and Patricia Fisher (percussion). Motor City Academy Brass Band is a family of musicians committed to lifelong learning, artistic growth, and exceeding expectations.
