There was a major upset at the 13th US Open Championship held in St Charles near Chicago on the weekend, where Dublin Silver, under the baton of Tim Jameson, claimed the title for the first time.

First victory

Their victory was only the second time since 2007 that a band other than pre-contest favourites Fountain City has lifted the US Open Yamaha Trophy. With it came a first prize of $1,000 plus the invitation to compete at the 40th Brass in Concert Championship in Gateshead in 2016.

After coming runner-up last year, Dublin's finally claimed the title with a themed programme inspired by the many varied emotions of love. The celebrations from the delighted players could have been heard in Newcastle let along New York, as they ended the five year US Open reign of runner-up Fountain City, with Eastern Iowa Brass Band in third.

Love Your Forever

Entitled 'Love You Forever' Dublin's slickly presented set opened with 'Love You Forever' — a series of choreographed tunes arranged by the MD's son Joshua.

It led into Randy Newman's 'You've Got a Friend in Me' arranged by the MD and featuring David Mazon on cornet, during which the conductor asked members of the audience to stand and greet one another in friendship.

Contrast came in Joshua's arrangement of Vaclav Nelybel's 'Symphonic Movement' — a dissonant portrait of shattered love; before a musical motif of everlasting love came with the famous 'Adagio' from Khachaturian's 'Spartacus', played by George Zonders on flugel.

PLC and Dolly Parton

William Rimmer's 'Honour the Brave' addressed the love of country and patriotism, before Paul Lovatt-Cooper's 'Where Eagles Sing' focused on love as stated in Corinthians 1 from the Bible. The band left the stage playing a short tag of Dolly Parton's 'I'll Always Love You'.

It was the that slick stage presentation and co-ordinated programme theme in taking the 'Most Entertaining Band' award for the fifth time in six years that proved crucial in Dublin's victory, as reigning champion Fountain City tied on musical points.

Fountain's journey

Their programme entitled 'The Journey' started with 'Inception' from Peter Graham's 'The Triumph of Time' as well as a number of linked Hans Zimmerman film excerpts arranged by Lee Harrelson.

A traditionally presented 'Knight Templar' in standing formation was contrasted by Pat Metheny's 'The Heat of the Day', before the baritone and flugel duet of Helen Harrelson and Jennifer Olivero delivered 'Starlight' by Peter Meechan that linked into the finale and a return to 'The Triumph of Time'.

Despite their disappointment, the band sportingly offered their congratulations to the new champion at the awards presentation, as they now look towards a concert appearance at the prestigious Midwest Clinic that attracts over 15,000 band and orchestra directors to Chicago.

Harlequin third

Although the top two bands were some way ahead in the final results, there were fine performances from the other competitors — notably third placed Eastern Iowa directed by Alexander Beamer.

Their cleverly conceived programme told the tale of an imprisoned harlequin plotting his escape from a prison dungeon, opening with Philip Sparke's 'Harlequin' with a blazing euphonium solo by Ben Reid dressed in harlequin garb.

George Allen's 'The Wizard' which won the 'Best March' prize, and a selection from Randy Edelman's score to the 1996 film, 'Dragonheart' led the way to Peter Meechan's 'The Legend of King Arthur,' completing the musical story.

Upbeat contenders

In fourth place came Prairie Brass Band with their upbeat 'Carnival' theme — from Dvorak to Maynard Ferguson, whilst Madison Brass Band performed the intriguingly titled, 'Mostly Famous Johns and One Rick' — with music from the pens of John Williams, John Lennon, Rick Kirby and just a touch of J.S. Bach.

Both adjudicators were certainly impressed by what they had heard during the event.

Impressed

Dr. Glen Flanigan, Director of Bands and Coordinator of Instrumental Studies at Kentucky's Asbury University, told 4BR: "This was my first experience with an entertainment concept. I found the entire day very enjoyable and was quite impressed with all the bands.

The quality of the performances made judging decisions a challenge. The attention to detail and overall musicianship was exemplary."

Fellow judge, and respected euphonium professor and soloist Adam Frey added: "What an amazing improvement across the board from last year.

There was a great sense of performance and charisma, as well as extremely ambitious programming that made it a wonderful concert experience, but also made the U.S. Open exceptionally difficult to judge. It was one of my most enjoyable days of music in a long time."

Many thanks to Michael Boo, staff writer for Drum Corps International.

Paul Lovatt-Cooper's 'Where Eagles Sing' focused on love as stated in Corinthians 1 from the Bible. The band left the stage playing a short tag of Dolly Parton's 'I'll Always Love You'4BR

Results:
Adjudicators: Dr. Glen Flanigan & Adam Frey
Music + Entertainment = Total

1. Dublin Silver (Tim Jameson): 192/48 = 240
2. Fountain City (Joseph Parisi): 192/43 = 235 500
3. Eastern Iowa Brass Band (Alexander Beamer): 184/40 = 224 250
4. Prairie Brass Band (Mary Barnes-Gingrich): 179/40 = 219
5. Madison Brass Band (Craig Mason): 175/65 = 210

Most Entertaining: Dublin Silver Band
Best Performance of a March: Eastern Iowa Brass Band (The Wizard)
Best New Arrangement or Composition: Madison Brass Band (Kom Susser Swing)
Best Performance of a Percussion Section: Madison Brass Band
Best Featured Soloist: Tom Henehan (flugel) — Prairie Brass Band