The Rockford Kontraband

The Rockford Illinois Kontraband is a summer tuba euphonium ensemble started by Dennis Meacham. This ensemble hopes to bring young low brass players and more seasoned musicians together to grow, learn, and explore the capabilities of our instrument as a community.

Mission Statement

We bring tuba and euphonium players together to perform high-quality music, mentor young musicians, and demonstrate the full capabilities of these instruments to a wider audience.

Our Directors

Head Director

Dennis Meacham

Dennis is the founder of the Kontraband, and is both a teacher and performing artist in Northern Illinois. Dennis has earned two masters degrees, one from Northern Illinois University in Tuba Performance, and another from Kent State University in Music Education (anticipated 2024)

Director

Luke McMillan

Luke is the band and choir teacher at Stephen Mack Middle School in Rockton, Illinois. He received his Bachelor’s of music education from Augustana College in 2021. In 2019, Luke was recognized as a winner of the Augustana College Concerto Competition, playing Philip Wilby’s “Concerto for Euphonium.” He is now an active performer in the greater Rockford area, playing in groups such as the Rockford Wind Ensemble and Pegasus Wind Symphony.

Director

Max Medlock

Max has taught general music, band, and choir here in Rockford at the Haskell STEAM Academy since 2018. He graduated with a bachelor's in music education from the Hugh A Glauser School of Music at Kent State University in 2018, studying under Dr. Kenneth Heinlein alongside Dennis.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals will be held at the Rock Valley Community College in the Educational Resource Center.

June 26, 2025 6:00 - 8:00 pm
July 3, 2025 6:00 - 8:00 pm
July 10, 2025 6:00 - 8:00 pm
July 17, 2025 6:00 - 8:00 pm
July 24, 2025 6:00 - 8:00 pm
July 31, 2025 6:00 - 8:00 pm
August 7, 2025 6:00 - 8:00 pm
August 14, 2025 Concert at 7:00 pm

The Rockford Kontraband

Mission Statement

Our Directors

Rehearsals

Summer 2024