About 603 Brass Band

603 Brass Band is New Hampshire’s very own powerhouse brass collective, blending the soul of New Orleans with the grit of New England. Founded by Army Band veterans Frank Barbaro, Chris Beasley, and Dave Selmer, the group is made up of Army musicians, music educators, and college students who bring explosive horns, deep grooves, and unstoppable energy to every stage they hit.

Our mission is twofold: to bring the spirit and tradition of New Orleans second-line brass to the Greater Boston and Northern New England area, and to create opportunities for the next generation of musicians. We invite high school and college students to join us during our open Friday performances, where they can study key tunes and experience the thrill of live street performance. It’s a real-world, real-fun way to learn, grow, and keep jazz music alive and thriving.

Whether on festival stages, in parades, at local bars, or right in your backyard, we bring the party with a sound that’s bold, brassy, and irresistible. We honor the roots of traditional brass band music while pushing boundaries with modern influences from funk, pop, and rock. 603 Brass Band is here to move every room, fire up every crowd, and share the joy of brass band music, New Orleans style!

Frank Barbaro

Sousaphone / Bandleader
Originally from New Jersey, Frank Barbaro brings a unique blend of musical talent and discipline to the 603 Brass Band. He studied music at William Paterson University before relocating to Salisbury, Massachusetts, where he now balances his passion for performance with his studies in engineering at the University of New Hampshire. When he's not performing or studying, Frank enjoys skiing, hiking, climbing, running with his dog Ringo, and playing tennis, often alongside bandmate Chris.
Frank is also an active member of the U.S. Army's 39th Army Band, where he continues to hone his craft in Concord NH. His approach to leading 603 Brass Band combines keeping New Orleans tradition with a focus on collaboration and community impact.
Chris Beasley

Trumpet / Music Director
Chris Beasley is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire, where he earned his degree in Music Education. He currently works full-time as a music teacher in Lawrence, Massachusetts, sharing his passion for music with the next generation.
In addition to performing with 603 Brass Band, Chris serves as a member of the U.S. Army's 39th Army Band. Outside of music, he’s an avid skier, runner, and cyclist, and can often be found playing tennis with bandmate Frank or tearing up the dance floor. His energy and enthusiasm are a driving force both on stage and off.
Dave Selmer

Drums / Head of Percussive Affairs
From the Army Band to U.S. Army Recruiter, Dave Selmer brings discipline, groove, and years of drumming experience to the 603 Brass Band. Based in Raymond, New Hampshire, Dave is a dynamic performer known for his versatility behind the kit.
When he’s not marching to the beat of military precision with the 39th Army Band or laying down second line rhythms with 603 Brass, you’ll find him playing with his country band around New England. Whether on stage or in uniform, Dave’s passion for music and service drives everything he does.
Bronson Grew

Trumpet / Stylistic Director Hailing from Hampton, New Hampshire, Bronson Grew is a dedicated student of music performance and neuroscience at the University of New Hampshire. At just 21 years old, he brings a rare blend of artistic passion and academic curiosity to the 603 Brass Band, where he serves as Stylistic Director.
A devoted fan of traditional New Orleans jazz, Bronson has spent countless hours transcribing and studying the greats. His favorite jazz musician is Clark Terry, and his favorite tune is Warren Vaché’s I Can’t Get Started. His deep knowledge of early jazz styles shapes the band’s sound and honors the roots of the genre.
Off the bandstand, Bronson enjoys playing frisbee and exploring the connections between music and the brain. His thoughtful approach and love for the tradition make him an integral part of the band’s identity.
Bradley Lamonica

Saxophone / Chief Vibe Officer
Based in Atkinson, New Hampshire, Bradley Lamonica has been playing saxophone for over 17 years and brings a vibrant, soulful energy to every performance. A proud member of the U.S. Army’s 39th Army Band, he combines precision and passion with a laid-back, creative spirit.
When he’s not on stage, Bradley produces electronic music, travels, games, and of course plays more sax. As 603 Brass Band’s Chief Vibe Officer, he’s the go-to guy for keeping morale high and the energy electric both on and off the stage.
Ben Kelly

Trombone / Director of Slide Operations
Hailing from Needham, Massachusetts, Ben Kelly is a sophomore at UMass Amherst, where he studies kinesiology with a minor in jazz performance. A versatile and passionate trombonist, Ben performs with the university’s top jazz ensemble, JE1, and is an active member of several prominent groups including the Beantown Swing Orchestra and Athene Wilson & Friends.
Ben has been playing trombone since the age of 13 and brings a deep love for jazz in all its forms to every performance. Whether it’s big band swing or second line funk, he brings a strong sound and sharp musicality to the 603 Brass Band and beyond.
Josh Turpin

Trumpet / Brass Education Liaison
Joshua Turpin is a freshman at the University of New Hampshire, majoring in Music Education and continuing to develop his craft as a dedicated trumpet player. A recent graduate of Spaulding High School, Joshua hails from Rochester, NH, and is already making waves as a member of the U.S. Army’s 39th Army Band.
As Brass Education Liaison with the 603 Brass Band, Joshua brings enthusiasm, discipline, and a passion for passing on the New Orleans brass tradition. He plays an active role in coordinating jazz masterclasses with local high schools, helping inspire and connect young musicians to real-world performance opportunities. Whether he's on stage or in rehearsal, Joshua’s dedication to both learning and teaching makes him a rising talent to watch.