The Northshore Concert Band is widely regarded as America's premier community band. Started in 1956 by John Paynter the band has performed hundreds of concerts for audiences throughout Europe, Canada, and the United States. Now in its 64th season, NCB has become internationally known and respected for its musical excellence, leadership in community music, and service to music education. Northshore Concert Band’s musical leadership is provided by Artistic Director, Dr. Mallory Thompson, and Assistant Conductor Daniel Farris. Highlights of NCB’s 59-year history include being the first group to receive the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s Sudler Silver Scroll, performance and clinician appearances at the Midwest Clinic and performing with the Chicago Symphony Chorus at Orchestra Hall. Internationally-renowned guest artists included: The Chicago Symphony Horn Quartet, Dale Clevenger, Larry Combs, Adolph “Bud” Herseth, Christopher Martin, Wynton Marsalis, Allen Vizzutti, and William Warfield. Prominent guest conductors include: Eugene Migliaro Corporon, Frederick Fennell, Karel Husa, Donald Hunsberger, H. Robert Reynolds, and John Whitwell. NCB has commissioned nine new works for wind band and has released seven recordings on CD. In 2003, Meredith Music Publishers released a book by Dr. William Carson entitled On the Path to Excellence: The Northshore Concert Band, Paynter, Buehlman and Beyond. In 2011, Chicago classical radio station, WFMT, broadcast two programs of live performances from NCB’s concert series. Throughout its history, NCB has promoted the development of community bands. Northshore Concert Band performs 12-15 concerts a year in the Chicago metropolitan area, reaching over 20,000 people. These include a concert series at Northwestern University’s Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, educational outreach programs at area schools, many invitational summer concerts, and professional band festivals and conferences.