Spires Brass Band is celebrating its 30^th Concert Season!  Formed in the traditional British style, the band uses cornets, tenor horns, flugelhorns, euphoniums, baritones, Eb & Bb tubas, as well as percussion, with a roster of ~ 34 talented, all-volunteer musicians. When under the direction of founder John Slezak, the band participated many years at the North American Brass Band Association competitions and won Top Honors in its section five times! Guest artists who have performed with Spires include acclaimed pianists Thomas Pandolfi, Anna-Maria Mottola (exclusive White House pianist), trumpeters Allen Vizzutti, Vince DiMartino, Gabriel DiMartino and Chris Jaudes, trombonist Herb Bruce, tubists Marty Erickson and Stacy Baker. The band has also featured mezzo soprano vocalists Holly Shockey, formerly of the US Army Band. Annie Gill, Heidi Ackerman, Tracie Luck, Sara Dell’Omo (from the “President’s Own” US Marine Band), Leigh Ann Hinton, among others. Featured male vocalists have been baritone Kevin Bennear, from the “President’s Own” US Marine Band, tenor Robert Baker (The Washington Opera), and internationally known operatic tenor Richard Troxell.

In late 2023, the band appointed Brian Hinkley Music Director & Conductor (BA Trombone Performance & Music History; MA Music Education – Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio).  A retired music educator, Hinkley taught both elementary and high school bands and orchestras in Maple Heights, Ohio and most recently in Frederick County, Maryland (1986-2024).  Hinkley is on the faculty at Hood College directing the wind ensemble, teaching applied study for brass instruments, and teaching the conducting classes.  In addition, Hinkley maintains an active performance schedule on trombone and bass trombone.