Northside Brass Quintet
Chamber Music. Education. Community.
Founded in 2011 by trumpeter Ryan Hobbs, Northside Brass Quintet was created with a simple belief: great music should be accessible, personal, and shared with everyone. What began as a group of colleagues passionate about brass chamber music has grown into one of Chicago’s most active and community-focused brass ensembles.
As the chamber music and educational division of Northside Brass Music Co., the Quintet is dedicated to performing at the highest artistic level while using music as a tool for education, connection, and service.
Our Origin Story
The ensemble brings together a close-knit group of Chicago-area musicians: Ryan Hobbs and Travis Heath, trumpets; Anna Mayne, French horn; Steve Duncan, trombone; and Sean Whitaker, tuba. Drawing inspiration from ensembles like the Canadian Brass and the great European brass traditions, the Quintet quickly established itself as a versatile group equally at home in concert halls, schools, churches, and community spaces throughout Chicago and the greater Midwest.Northside Brass Quintet was formed out of a love for the rich tradition of brass chamber music and the powerful, human connection it creates in live performance. Drawing inspiration from ensembles like the Canadian Brass and the great European brass traditions, the group quickly established itself as a versatile ensemble equally at home in concert halls, schools, churches, and community spaces.
Over the years, the Quintet has performed throughout Chicago and the greater Midwest, presenting programs that range from Renaissance and Baroque masterworks to contemporary compositions, jazz-influenced works, and audience-favorite arrangements of familiar melodies.
“Northside Brass is arguably the finest brass ensemble in all of Chicago. Their impeccable intonation, seamless blend, and exceptional musicality set them apart. With their innovative programming and creative use of unique spaces, they elevate any concert hall or event into an extraordinary experience. Bravo!”
Robert Beatty, Organist + Music Director, St. Vincent De Paul Parish, Chicago, IL
Educational Concerts + Music in Schools
Education has always been at the core of Northside Brass Quintet’s mission.
Through interactive school concerts, masterclasses, and outreach programs, the Quintet works directly with students of all ages—especially in underserved communities—to introduce them to live chamber music and professional musicianship.
Our educational programs:
Introduce students to brass instruments and ensemble playing
Connect music to history, culture, and storytelling
Encourage curiosity, creativity, and active listening
Provide inspiring role models for young musicians
These concerts are engaging, age-appropriate, and designed to spark lifelong appreciation for music—often becoming a student’s first experience hearing live classical instruments up close.
“Our students were completely captivated — it’s not every day they get to see professional musicians up close, sharing their stories and inspiring them to keep playing.”
— Mr. Liska, Band Director, East Aurora High School
Serving our Community
Northside Brass Quintet is deeply committed to giving back through music.
In addition to ticketed performances, the ensemble regularly presents free concerts for:
Senior living communities and retirement homes
Veterans organizations and memorial events
Community centers, churches, and nonprofit partners
These performances are rooted in the belief that music brings comfort, joy, and connection—especially to those who may have limited access to live cultural experiences. Whether performing patriotic programs for veterans or familiar classics for elderly audiences, the Quintet approaches every concert with respect, warmth, and sincerity.
Beyond the Concert Stage
The Quintet is also known for its seasonal traditions and recordings, including its popular Christmas Carols for Brassalbum series, which has become a staple of holiday concerts and broadcasts. These projects reflect the ensemble’s commitment to preserving tradition while making it welcoming and relevant for modern audiences.
Our Mission
Northside Brass Quintet exists to:
Preserve and promote the art of brass chamber music
Educate and inspire the next generation of listeners and musicians
Use music as a force for community connection and service
Whether performing for a packed concert hall, a classroom of young students, or a room full of veterans and seniors, the goal is always the same: to share meaningful music with integrity, excellence, and heart.
Northside Brass Quintet has released two holiday albums—Christmas Carols for Brass and Christmas Carols for Brass Vol. 2—celebrating the warmth, tradition, and joy of the season through rich brass chamber music. These recordings reflect the ensemble’s love of classic carols, thoughtful arrangements, and the timeless sound of live brass. Both albums are available in hard copy and on all major streaming platforms, making them easy to enjoy at home, on the road, or as a holiday gift.
Hear us Play!
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