Each year, we love celebrating our incredible community by sharing the amazing summer adventures of the NCB family. From travels in Europe to visiting friends to performing with “The King” and everything in between, this is where our members share their favorite vacation memories and photos from around the globe (or just down the road!).

Jeff Crylen (trumpet), embarked on an unforgettable trip to Manchester, UK, with the Milwaukee Festival Brass for the Whit Friday Marches Competition. This annual event draws a multitude of British-style brass bands, each aiming for victory across various towns that host their own unique competitions.

The Milwaukee Festival Brass showcased their talents by performing an entertaining street march, followed by a standstill contest march. A highlight for Jeff was hearing the legendary Black Dyke Band perform. The competition was fierce, with each town hosting over 50 bands.

Ultimately, the Milwaukee Festival Brass triumphed, winning their section in the town of Diggle!

Beyond the competition, the band had the incredible opportunity to rehearse in the historic Foden's Band rehearsal room with their director, Michael Fowles. Their musical journey culminated in a shared concert with the Linthwaite Brass Band. This performance took place at the Slaithwaite Band's band hall, which, remarkably, even boasts its own pub run by the band.

This summer Dan DiCesare (trombone) had a unique work opportunity: performing with the Change of Heart Band, backing up Elvis impersonator Johnny Thompson at a private event in Plano, Texas. Dan said “It wasn't a vacation, but it was definitely a good time!"

On July 29, Peter Lograsso (tuba) participated in the Music at the Summit Adult Band Institute in Breckenridge, Colorado.

Pictured in the photo, from left to right, are Pete, and Northshore Concert Band Alumni, Eric Bachmann, William Owens, Rodney Owens, Janice Minor, and Beth Steele.

What We Did On Our Summer Vacation 2025 - Part 1