I am pleased to announce our 1st Place WIN at this year’s North American Brass Band Championships in Fort Wayne, Indiana!
The San Antonio Brass Band or SABb went to Ft. Wayne to compete against the finest British-style brass bands in the United States and Canada and came away with a WIN. The main goal of the SABb was for each player to give his or her best on stage.
There were a total of 13 bands in the First Section competition. It was exciting to hear so many great bands and performances that day in Ft. Wayne. We performed the test piece “Diversions on a Bass Theme” by George Lloyd and our choice piece was “Year of the Dragon” by Philip Sparke. This was our first appearance at the NABBA Championships and the band members had a wonderful time in Ft. Wayne. Listening to the solo competitions and the Championship groups was thrilling. We felt welcome and really enjoyed the comradely that is such a big part of brass banding, not only within our group but with all the musicians in attendance.
The judges gave some great feedback about our performance. We truly appreciate it too, we are new to the brass band world, just a year under our belts. I noticed at the first rehearsal that the SABb had an amazing TUBA SECTION, I was always so impressed with them, every rehearsal. The judges were also very impressed with them. Every judge gave praise to our tubas and low brass section. Our group is full of wonderful players who are awesome musicians such an honor to be on stage with them and an even bigger honor to go to this competition with them.
My favorite part about brass band music is that it pushes the envelope; it keeps you on your toes. I find the literature new and exciting, and at first sight I always think, “This music is impossible to play.” I always wonder if I will be able to play it at all and I love it when I finally get those tough passages under my fingers.
First Section Results:
Adjudicators: Dr. Stephen Allen / Sally Wagner / Ronald Waiksnoris
Set Test: Diversions on a Bass Theme (George Lloyd)
Average mark of Set Test/Own Choice
- San Antonio Brass Band: 98.0/98.0/98.0 = 294.0
2. Weston Silver Band: 97.0/97.0/96.2 = 290.2
3. Dublin Silver Band: 96.0/96.0/96.4 = 288.4
4. Five Lakes Silver Band: 94.2/93.0/94.8 = 282.0
5. Illinois Brass Band: 93.4/93.0/94.6 = 281.0
6. Oakland University Brass Band: 94.4/93.0/93.2 = 280.6
7. Central Ohio Brass Band: 92.0/95.0/93.0 = 280.0
8. Madison Brass Band: 89.8/92.0/93.4 = 275.2
9. Motor City Brass Band: 88.4/93.0/93.6 = 275.0
10. Pikes Peak Brass Band: 91.0/92.0/91.4 = 274.4
11. Brass Band of Columbus: 88.6/94.0/91.2 = 273.8
12. Georgia Brass Band: 90.0/91.0/92.0 = 273.0
13. Brass Band at Indiana University: 86.4/90.0/90.0 = 266.4