The first Emmental March Contest will take place on Oberburg in Switzerland on September 7th.

The open air event (although under a covered stage) has attracted 23 wind and brass band ensembles to compete in four different sections.

Each band will perform a chorale as well as a contest concert march to catch the ears of adjudicators Thomas Ruedi (brass bands) and Jean-Claude Kolly (wind bands).

The winners of each category will receive prize money of CHF 1500 and a challenge trophy. After the action has finished the participants will enjoy a special party, with live music and plenty of local beverages.

Youth focus

Event spokesperson Jan Muller told 4BR: "This event has been organised to attract young performers. In addition to the competition, there will be free trial lessons on brass and percussion instruments thanks to support from Die Mobiliar (health insurance).

The instruments will be provided on site and supervised by professional music teachers from the Burgdorf music school."

He added: "In the afternoon a special fanfare will be rehearsed with players, which will be presented to the public at the results ceremony alongside the youth formation, 'Young Brassers'."

In addition to the competition, there will be free trial lessons on brass and percussion instruments thanks to support from Die Mobiliar (health insurance)Jan Muller

Further information

For further information, go to: http://emmentalmarchcontest.ch/ or the facebook-site: https://www.facebook.com/emmentalmarchcontest/