On July 1st of 2003, a new musical organization was formed in Little Rock, Arkansas. The group began without a name, but soon came to be known as the Natural State Brass Band. The name is derived from Arkansas being known as the Natural State due to its sheer beauty and the plethora of outdoor events available to its residents year-round.
The initial roster consisted of approximately 30 musicians from central Arkansas and surrounding areas. In the beginning, the band rehearsed in Little Rock at Christ Episcopal Church. While the band no longer uses the church for rehearsals, it does meet there once a year to conduct its yearly business meeting. It helps to remind the current members of our beginnings. Early on the band had very little equipment and a very limited library. However, that did not deter the group from scheduling concerts and making a commitment to attend the North American Brass Band Championships (NABBA) in April of 2004 in Charleston, West Virginia.
Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock soon became the "home" of the NSBB. Having the ability to rehearse and perform in a single location has proven to be an incredible asset to the band. We are forever indebted to the church, its staff, and its members for allowing us to be a part of its family.
Throughout our short 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."
Through the generosity of many supporters and band members, we have been able to acquire equipment, music, office supplies, and countless other assets, to make us the premier brass band in the state. The band is also known and respected throughout the United States and Canada.
The band has worked hard in its history to give back to the community. In addition to providing free concerts so that no family or children are denied the opportunity for quality entertainment, the band has performed concerts for the Ronald McDonald House (World Children's Day), members of the band have played for the state Missing Children's Day, the consecration for the Bishop of Arkansas, a fund raiser for the American Lung Association, and annually at the remembrance ceremony for the Survivors of Pearl Harbor. In addition, the band travels to take its brand of music to communities throughout the state. From band camps across Arkansas to the beautiful Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, to the Mississippi delta in Helena, we are committed to introducing all to the brass band idiom.
As of April 4th, 2009, the Natural State Brass Band is the North American Brass Band Association Champion of the challenge section. We have worked extremely hard to reach this point, and the climb has not been without sacrifices. However, it has all been worthwhile. The band's next challenge will occur in 2010 when it will travel to England for a 9 day tour. We will be playing with some of the best and most well known brass bands in the world as well as a special guest at one of the premier banding contests in the world.
We have come a long way in 6 years, but our journey is only just beginning.