Those perhaps hitting the high notes in fanfare for VIPs (3,5)
I believe the answer is:
top brass
'for vips' is the definition.
(both can mean important or senior people)
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for top brass that I've seen before include "People in authority (informal)" , "Those of high military rank" , "Highest rankings in the armed forces" , "high-ranking officials" , "military leaders" .)