*
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    


New Zealand

Enjoy the action from New Zealand

July 4 • You can tune in and enjoy the action from the world's oldest National Championships being held in Christchurch.


Music for isolation

Svalbard isolation inspires new CD release

July 3 • The forthcoming CD release from the acclaimed tuba and saxophone duo of Gideon Jukes and Rie Takeuchi is inspired by one of the world's most northern settlements.


Tone Halo

Tone Halo makes sound impression on global customers

July 3 • CalderpipsMusic's 'Tone Halo' makes a mark on the brass accessory market place.


Brass Band week

Nationwide span for Brass Band Week

July 3 • You can enjoy bands in the north, south, east and west of the country for the Brass Band Week of performances.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Concert Brass Poynton

July 4 • Concert Brass Poynton: No Contesting - Not a learners Band. Rehearse on Wednesday Evenings between 8.00 to 10.00pm (short comfort break). We seek a front row cornet and a Tenor Horn and A Tenor Trombone and Bass Trom too..


Ocean Brass

July 4 • Ocean Brass are inviting applications for a kit player, as we prepare for an exciting schedule of concerts and contests in the second section through 2025 and beyond! We rehearse Thursdays 8pm-10pm, Banister Park Bowls Club, Southampton, SO50 9HT


Haverhill Silver Band

July 3 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a PRINCIPAL CORNET. This is a superb opportunity to lead East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Darren R. Hawken

PGdip, BMus(hons) PGCE, dipABRSM, LRSM
Conductor, Arranger, Teacher, Adjudicator, Band Trainer


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd