The JMU Brass Band has been invited to perform as a featured ensemble at the 2017 Royal Northern College of Music Brass Band Festival in Manchester, England. The performance will mark the first time a band from the United States has presented a concert at this very prestigious event. In an interview for the October edition of Brass Band World Magazine, founding conductor, Kevin Stees commented: "In the US, the Festival is held in very high esteem. Throughout the years, I've continued to regard it as one of the most important events for brass bands in the world and the (JMU) band has no idea what a monumental experience this will be. The band is in for a life-changing experience. We can't wait!"

The concert will focus on American music featuring Stephen Bulla's Images for Brass  and  a new work by JMU faculty member, Eric Guinivan. Also on the program will be Samuel Barber's  Mutations from Bach and Joseph Turrin's  Hymn for Diana. Additionally, the band will perform Variations on an Enigma by Philip Sparke and Oliver Waespi's The Raid.