The Chicago Gargoyle Brass and Organ Ensemble is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1992 in Chicago, Illinois. The ensemble is known for its unique combination of brass instruments and organ, which creates a powerful and dynamic sound that has captivated audiences around the world. The founding members of the Chicago Gargoyle Brass and Organ Ensemble were all graduates of Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music. They were inspired to form the ensemble after performing together in various brass ensembles and orchestras throughout their college years. The founding members included Rodney Holmes, a trumpet player and the ensemble's current artistic director; Philip Kassel, a trombone player; and Michael Stewart, a tuba player. The ensemble's name was inspired by the gargoyles that adorn many of the buildings in Chicago, which the founding members felt represented the city's unique architectural style and character. The ensemble's mission is to showcase the beauty and power of brass and organ music, while also promoting the rich cultural heritage of Chicago. Over the years, the Chicago Gargoyle Brass and Organ Ensemble has grown to include a diverse group of musicians, including brass players, organists, percussionists, and vocalists. The ensemble has also collaborated with a wide range of artists and organizations, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Chicago Children's Choir. One of the highlights of the Chicago Gargoyle Brass and Organ Ensemble's career was their performance at the 2008 National Convention of the American Guild of Organists. The ensemble was invited to perform at the convention's opening ceremony, where they played a program of works by Bach, Gabrieli, and other composers. The performance was widely praised for its virtuosity and musicality, and helped to establish the ensemble as one of the premier brass and organ ensembles in the country. Another notable performance by the Chicago Gargoyle Brass and Organ Ensemble was their 2012 concert at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. The ensemble performed a program of works by American composers, including Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, and Samuel Barber. The concert was part of the cathedral's Great Music in a Great Space series, which showcases some of the world's finest musicians in the stunning acoustics of the cathedral. In addition to their performances, the Chicago Gargoyle Brass and Organ Ensemble has also received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2006, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award by Rotary International, in recognition of their contributions to the arts and their community. The ensemble has also been featured on several recordings, including their 2010 album, "Chicago Gargoyle Brass and Organ Ensemble: Live at Fourth Presbyterian Church." Today, the Chicago Gargoyle Brass and Organ Ensemble continues to perform regularly throughout the United States and around the world. The ensemble's repertoire includes a wide range of music, from classical works by Bach and Handel to contemporary pieces by living composers. The ensemble's unique combination of brass and organ continues to captivate audiences and inspire new generations of musicians to explore the beauty and power of this timeless music.

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