Brass Bands are quickly taking up positions for the 2010 Federation of Australasian Brass Bands Festival, also known as "FABB Fest", at Twin Towns Clubs and Resorts Tweed Heads, 22-24 October.

So far, twelve of the twenty-three invited bands have indicated that they will be at the Festival in October, and will fight it out for the $10,000 prizemoney on offer.

Invitees

The following bands have been invited:
Boroondara Brass
Brass Band Limburg
Brisbane Brass
Brisbane Excelsior
Dalewool Auckland Brass
Darebin City Brass — Preston
Footscray Yarraville City Band
Gunnedah Shire Band A Grade
Gunnedah Shire Juniors
City of Holroyd Band
K&N Spring Gully Brass
Kew Band Melbourne
Marlborough District Brass Band
North Shore Brass
Osaka Harmony Brass
Royal Agricultural Society WA Brass
South Brisbane Federal
St. Marys Band Club Band
Alpine Energy Timaru Brass
The Trusts Waitakere Brass
Warringah Concert Brass
Willoughby City Brass
Woolston Brass

This is a major boost to the festival in a year where the financial burden on individuals is already greater through higher domestic interest rates and the general down turn in the economy in some regions of Australia and New Zealand.

FABB is grateful for the bands who have committed and those who will commit once the May deadline for confirmation approaches.

All-in-one Venue

The extra bands attending the 2010 FABB Fest will make for a far greater atmosphere to the Tweed Heads venue. The ‘all in one accommodation and Festival venue’ works well for those who attend as the club/resort provides all facilities in-house — not to mention the famous Kirra Beach some 80 metres away.

New Commission

The Federation of Australasian Brass Bands has commissioned Swiss Composer, Ludovic Neurohr, to compose the test piece for the 2010 Australasian Open.

"Spells of a Deep Forest" by Ludovic Neurohr will be available for purchase from Kirklees Music from 1st July, 2010.

Ludovic Neurohr has also been invited by FABB to be a member of the adjudication panel for the Australasian Open Championship event.

Ludo has emerged as one of the most exciting and innovative contemporary composers for brass bands, and we are extremely happy to have him at this years "FABB Fest".FABB Chairman, Rick Casagrande

FABB Chairman, Rick Casagrande said: "Ludo has emerged as one of the most exciting and innovative contemporary composers for brass bands, and we are extremely happy to have him at this years "FABB Fest"."

The Adjudicators

The well known and highly respected adjudicator from the UK, David Horsfield, will join Ludovic Neurohr, the composer of the set work, to make up the adjudication team for 2010.

For more information go to www.fabb.com.au/adjudicators.html

A Night at the Opera

Saturday evening will see "FABB Fest" trial a new concept.

Twenty of the best soloists available from Australia and New Zealand will each be invited to play an Aria from an Opera or Operetta, in a friendly competitive spirit at FABB Fest's “Night at the Opera” show beginning at 7.00 pm on Saturday 23rd October 2010.

$500 is on offer for the winner of the event.

The following soloists have been invited:
David Bremner
Colin Clark
Stephen English
Ashley Gittins
Kevin Hickman
Phillip Johnston
John Lewis
Tyme Marsters
Riki McDonnell
Brian McGuinness
Bruce Myers
Liam O'Malley
Steve Ridler
Paula Russell
Matthew van Emmerik

FABB Chairman Rick Casagrande said: "It is tipped that this inaugural show will become an annual event and will present brass at its best to the show going public."

"FABB Fest" format

Now in its third year, the 2010 FABB Fest will include events over three days:
* Friday 22 October: Australasian Band Composers & Conductors (ABC) Forum with Professor David King
* Saturday 23 October: Australasian Open Championship event
* Saturday 23 October 7.00pm: A Night at the Opera (Soloist event)
* Sunday 24 October: Australasian Open Entertainment event

Registration

The registration of players is now available on the FABB website. Players are urged to register as soon as possible. The registration process requires photo ID to be uploaded along with player details, and a $15 fee.

This registration is compulsory for all players intending to play with a band in the Australasian Open, and is also available to those players in bands who have not been invited.

Attending bands may need player assistance to make up the 30 brass player limit.

The website will be a place for bands to see which other players are available and suitable to fill in any vacancies or positions they wish to boost.

www.fabb.com.au/­registration.html

More information: www.fabb.com.au