The North American Championships have the fewest competing bands since 1994. This might lead you to believe that bands are struggling stateside, but as Fountain City and Central Ohio have shown on their recent trips, banding is still growing and improving. There are simply more outlets and events for bands then there have ever been, and NABBA is not fairing well under this competition. So even though numbers may be down again, there should be some fierce competition, especially in the top two sections.

One for the thumb?
Fountain City Brass Band will look to win an unprecidented 5th straight North American Championship, and with Joe Parisi on the podium, they will certainly be the favourites. The last time a band had similar success to Fountain City’s run was when Colin Holman led Illinois to six titles in seven years. Both Colin Holman, who is now conducting the Chicago Brass Band, and the Illinois Brass Band (under the baton of Tom Runty) will look to end Fountain City’s streak. Atlantic Brass Band, under Salvatore Scarpa, will round out the top section.

Three is the magic number
Central Ohio will be looking for their third title in a row. This time there will be no snow delaying their arrival and they will be ready to go against three “local” bands from Michigan. Motor City will be returning after a year’s absence, Oakland University Brass Band will be taking a leap to the first section after winning the third section last year, and the Oakland Brass Band, also from the Detroit Metro area will be making their debut.

Cincinnati Brass Band will be returning to the first section after a three years absence and will be looking to regain their former glory. Princeton Brass Band will be making the furthest journey in this section (all the way from New Jersey) and should pose a good challenge for title, having competed well over recent years.

One is the loneliest number
Woody Allen once said “Ninety percent of life is just showing up.” For the Natural State Brass Band, as long as the coach doesn’t break down, they will get their second 2nd section championship in three years.

Third section
The third section will see the Capital Brass Band from Lansing, Michigan make their debut. Brass Band of the Tri-State is returning after a year’s absence and will be dropping down from the second section in an attempt to regain the third section title it won in 2008.

We had to do some digging as NABBA won’t release the official line-ups until contest day, but here are the projections for this weekend.

Solo and Ensemble Compeition
Friday, April 8, 2001, 10:30am-5:00pm
Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Band Competition
Saturday, April 9, 2001, 9:30am-10:20pm
DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, Michigan
All awards announced at 10:20pm following the Championship Section

Championship Section
Set Piece: On the Shoulders of Giants (Peter Graham)
Atlantic Brass Band (Salvatore Scarpa)
Chicago Brass Band (Dr. Colin Holman)
Fountain City Brass Band (Dr. Joseph Parisi)
Illinois Brass Band (Tom Runty)

First Section
Set Piece: On Ratcliff Highway (Ray Steadman-Allen)
Central Ohio Brass Band (Jessica Sneeringer)
Cincinnati Brass Band (Anita Cocker Hunt)
Motor City Brass Band (Craig Strain)
Oakland Brass Band (Neil Barlow)
Oakland University Brass Band (Dr. Kenneth Kroesche)
Princeton Brass Band (Dr. Stephen Allen)

Second Section
Set Piece: Penlee (Simon Dobson)
Natural State Brass Band (Russell Morris)

Third Section
Set Piece: Haydock Variations (Stuart Pullin)
Bend In the River Brass Band (Faril Bunner)
Capital City Brass Band (Dr. Kenneth Kroesche)