Balmages is known worldwide as a composer and conductor in the orchestral, band, and chamber music world. His music has been performed by groups ranging from professional symphony orchestras to elementary schools in venues such as
Carnegie Hall, the
Kennedy Center,
Sydney Opera House,
Toronto Centre for the Arts, and many more.[6]
Balmages is a recipient of the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association,[7] won the 2020 NBA William D. Revelli Composition Contest with his work Love and Light,[8] and is an elected member of the prestigious
American Bandmasters Association. Balmages was awarded the inaugural
James Madison University Distinguished Alumni Award from the School of Visual and Performing Arts.[9] In the same year, he was commissioned by his other alma mater, the
University of Miami, to compose music for the inauguration of the institution’s 6th president, Dr. Julio Frenk.[10] His music was also performed as part of the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service,[11] which was attended by both
President Obama and then
Vice President Biden.
As a conductor, Balmages works with all-state and regional ensembles as well as university and professional groups throughout the world.[12] Notable guest conducting appearances include the
Midwest Clinic, Western International Band Clinic, Maryborough Music Conference (Australia), College Band Directors Conference, American School Band Directors Association National Conference, numerous state
ASTA conferences, Teatro dell’Aquila (Italy), and others.[13]
Balmages was the Director of Instrumental Publications for the FJH Music Company for over 20 years[14] and is currently the Director of
MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for
Alfred and
MakeMusic.[15]
^"An operatic experience".
Young, New South Wales. August 19, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2019. The Junior Band played "Three Celtic Dances" by Brian Balmages comprising The Reel, The Air and The Jig.
^Love, Joyanna (March 9, 2018).
"CMS students chosen for honor bands". The Clanton Advertiser. Retrieved December 28, 2019. "Midnight Mission" by Brian Balmages was Williams' favorite piece of music from her performance. "Different people entered at different times because we were supposed to be secret, and then we had to be silent at times," Williams said.
^McGee, Courtney (July 18, 2018).
"Flute choir with strong Towson-area connection readies for Orlando, Fla., performance next month". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved December 29, 2019. The program will feature selections by Baltimore composers, including a premiere by Douglas Buchanan, who was commissioned to compose a work to honor the flute choir's founder; Brian Balmages, a Lutherville-based composer with prominent national recognition, and former Baltimore resident Chris Norman.
^"Brian Balmages". ABC of Central Washington University. Retrieved 3 December 2023.