Gateways Chamber Players is a flexible, all-star ensemble drawn from the Gateways Festival Orchestra—a celebrated group of over 100 professional classical musicians of African descent. Ranging from intimate chamber groups to larger symphonic configurations of up to 20 musicians, the Chamber Players showcase the artistry and versatility of Gateways musicians in a more personal setting. With a rotating roster of some of the nation’s leading performers, the ensemble brings dynamic, inspiring programs to stages across the country—uplifting Black excellence in classical music through virtuosic performance and meaningful community engagement.

The Gateways Brass Collective has delivered powerful performances and educational programs since 2018. A resident ensemble of Gateways Music Festival, the group includes Herbert Smith and Courtney Jones (trumpet), Larry Williams (horn), Isrea Butler (trombone), and Jerome Stover (tuba).

The quintet has appeared at major events like the Ravinia Festival, NAMM Show, Midwest Clinic, and the HBCU Band Directors Consortium. Versatile in classical, jazz, and contemporary styles, its members have performed with icons such as Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Arturo Sandoval, The Roots, and orchestras including Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco.

The Gateways Festival Orchestra brings together Black professional musicians from the nation’s leading orchestras and music faculties for exhilarating performances that celebrate the richness of the classical tradition. As the heart of Gateways Music Festival, the orchestra provides a home for Black classical artists to connect, collaborate, and share their artistry with audiences. Through dynamic concerts and thoughtfully curated programs, the orchestra highlights the profound contributions of Black musicians to classical music, honoring history while shaping its future.