Gaudete Brass Quintet is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 2004 in Chicago, Illinois. The group is composed of five members, all of whom are accomplished musicians with extensive experience in the classical music world. The founding members of the group were Bill Baxtresser (trumpet), Ryan Berndt (trumpet), Paul Von Hoff (horn), Scott Tegge (trombone), and Mark Fisher (tuba). The group's name, Gaudete, is a Latin word that means "rejoice." This name reflects the group's mission to bring joy and excitement to audiences through their performances of classical music. The group's repertoire includes a wide range of music, from traditional brass quintet pieces to contemporary works by living composers. Since its founding, Gaudete Brass Quintet has become one of the most respected and sought-after brass ensembles in the United States. The group has performed at major venues and festivals across the country, including the Ravinia Festival, the Chicago Cultural Center, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. They have also performed internationally, including concerts in Canada and Europe. One of the highlights of Gaudete Brass Quintet's career was their performance at the 2012 International Trumpet Guild Conference in Columbus, Ohio. The group was selected to perform as one of only three brass ensembles at the conference, which is one of the most prestigious events in the trumpet world. Their performance was widely praised by critics and audience members alike, and helped to cement their reputation as one of the top brass ensembles in the country. In addition to their performances, Gaudete Brass Quintet has also received numerous awards and accolades for their recordings. Their debut album, "Chicago Moves," was released in 2008 and received critical acclaim for its innovative programming and virtuosic performances. The group's second album, "Sevenfive: The John Corigliano Effect," was released in 2016 and featured works by the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Corigliano. The album was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance category. The members of Gaudete Brass Quintet are all accomplished musicians in their own right, with extensive experience performing with major orchestras and ensembles. Bill Baxtresser, the group's founding member and principal trumpet player, has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra. Ryan Berndt, the group's second trumpet player, has performed with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Philharmonic. Paul Von Hoff, the group's horn player, has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Scott Tegge, the group's trombone player, has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Mark Fisher, the group's tuba player, has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. In addition to their performances and recordings, Gaudete Brass Quintet is also committed to education and outreach. The group regularly performs in schools and community centers, and has developed a series of educational programs that introduce young people to the world of classical music. They have also collaborated with composers to commission new works for brass quintet, helping to expand the repertoire for this unique ensemble.

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