ABOUT THE BIG RIVER BRASS BAND
The Big River Brass Band was co-founded by Ed Butterfield, retired band director for Rock Island High School, and Jerry Miller, a John Deere retiree. After seeing a picture of the Deere Cornet Band in a book about John Deere history, Miller decided to revive a brass band using Deere employees in order to carry on the Deere tradition. Butterfield, also interested in brass music, provided the rehearsal location at Rock Island High School and was its first director. Together, they invited area brass musicians to form the early group of six to ten musicians in 2004.
The BRBB started performing publicly in 2006 and performs frequently throughout the greater Quad Cities area. The BRBB plays in the style of European brass bands and draws literature from classic brass band repertoire, and classical, jazz and pop arrangements. Currently, under the direction of Nicolas Propes, the BRBB has continued to grow to its present size of 40 musicians.
The Big River Brass Band is a non-profit organization that operates entirely on donations from its members and the community. If you have made a donation in the past, we thank you for your support. If you would like to make a donation to the Big River Brass Band, please visit our Donate page.
ABOUT OUR DIRECTOR
Nicolas Propes
Nicolas Propes is an experienced and versatile music educator and conductor, having taught and conducted musicians at all levels from elementary school beginners, to junior high, high school, college, community, and professional ensembles. In 2020, Nicolas was honored to have been presented with the American Prize in Conducting, Band/Wind Ensemble Community Band Division for his work with the Big River Brass Band
Mr. Propes earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Iowa in 2002, and his Master’s Degree in Conducting from the American Band College of Sam Houston State University in 2015. He began directing school band programs in 2003 in the Pleasant Valley Community School District, and has established himself as a qualified and respected teacher. Numerous ensembles under his direction have received top ratings at festivals and contests, but more importantly, he inspired countless students to create music throughout their school years and beyond.
In 2016, Nicolas joined the staff of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra as the Orchestra Librarian. He transferred to the QCSO marketing department in 2018 as the Digital Media Assistant in charge of photography, videography, and social media.
Nicolas returned to teaching in 2020 and currently teaches band at North Scott Junior High. He continues his conducting career as the director of the Big River Brass Band, and works with students at every opportunity including ensemble/sectional coaching and guest conducting.