Natural State Brass Band

Established on July 1st, 2003, the Natural State Brass Band has become one of the premier performing ensembles in Arkansas while bringing the sounds and styles of the traditional British brass band to new audiences statewide. The avocational musicians who comprise the membership of the band come from all walks of life, bonding together to share their mutual love of the brass and percussion medium they have embraced. The band has performed not only within the borders of the Natural State, but in several states and in 2010 the UK during a ten-day tour. It holds the distinction of being the last ensemble to play in the original Black Dyke rehearsal room. In its 13-year history the ensemble has garnered two NABBA Championships and in 2010 became the first US brass band to perform at the English National Championships. The group performs a wide variety of musical styles in many varied types of venues from the concert hall to the outdoor music festival stage, having been an opening act for Earth, Wind and Fire and playing for President Bill Clinton several times. The band performed under the leadership of founding member and Music Director Russell Morris from its inception until April 2016. In November 2016, Dr. Gretchen Renshaw was appointed Music Director and Nevada Mills became the band’s MD in January 2022. Throughout its history, the band has worked to abide by its mission statement, 'To provide an enjoyable musical experience for our audience, to promote the brass band idiom, and to enhance the musicianship of our members through the performance of quality literature'.