*
banner

OBAF opens up competition

The Ohio Brass Arts Festival introduces competition with open adjudication and criteria based adjudication (based on Steven Mead’s model)

 

The 2012 Ohio Brass Arts Festival will introduce two competitions, a Youth Solo Competition and the OBAF Cup, awarded to the band for best performance of a slow melody. Both competitions will have open adjudication by the three men out-of-the-box, Mark Parulekar, Mark Sholl and head adjudicator, Paul Droste.

The band competition will see groups rated on a scale of 20-pts in the areas of pitch/ correct notes, rhythmic accuracy and clarity, tempi, dynamic range, ensemble precision, tuning/ intonation, sound quality, balance, quality of soloists, and artistic expression/ musicality, based on a rubric piloted by Steven Mead at the British Open a few years ago.

“I am really delighted to hear this news. I sense a growing tide of awareness about how traditional adjudication methods can be improved and step-by-step things are changing, both in Scotland, other contests abroad in Europe and even some signs of steady improvement in the UK.” Mead says.

Mead adds, “It's a shame that our ABBA doesn't take any lead at all but more reacts to competitions that are decided to change the system for themselves. In the absence of any true leadership from our adjudicators’ movement it is up to the individual contest managers to think progressively and for the benefit of all their competing musicians. I am really thrilled that the OBAF Cup will incorporate elements of my criteria-based adjudication proposals, really delighted.”

For now, the goal of the competition is more to promote improved musicianship in the competing brass bands, the brass band equivalent of a football “friendly.” Because of this goal, the festival aims to be as innovative, open-minded and transparent as possible as they develop their system. Next year OBAF plans to use feedback from this year’s contest to improve the process, and add more caption prizes.

The competing bands are (in performance order):
Dublin Silver Band
Chapel Brass
Brass Band of Columbus
Scioto Valley Brass and Percussion Company
Brass Band of the Western Reserve
Central Ohio Brass Band

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


4BR Preview

4BR Review — Episode 9

October 7 • Join the conversion with your views and opinions about the Royal Albert Hall National Final — who you think may win and what you feel should be done to secure its future.


the cooperation band

Half century mark for cooperation players

October 7 • Keith Johnstone and Ray Munday have just notched up 50 years of outstanding service to the brass band movement — with an appearance at the Albert Hall to help with the celebrations.


Hindmarsh

Heaton spotlight on Radio 3

October 7 • The life and music of Wilfred Heaton will be discussed by author Paul Hindmarsh on Radio 3's flagship arts programme 'In Tune' next Monday.


Smith and Grezzy

Podcast: Smith & Grezzy's Big Chat Brass

October 7 • The new podcast episode from Sandy Smith and Simon Gresswell is now out.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


Howard J Evans

MA (Dist), Mus.B (hons), ARCM (hons), LRAM, LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, composer, arranger, tutor and pianist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd