The first Emmental March Contest has been hailed a great success after it attracted over 1100 participants to Oberburg in Switzerland.

With the great Autumn weather adding to the occasion, 23 brass bands and wind bands from all over Switzerland played their march selections for the panel of judges and a large, appreciative audience.

Great way

It was a great way for the brand new initiative organised by Brass Band Musik Frohsinn Oberburg (MFO), with one participant telling 4BR: "It was a great event — full of fun and wonderful friendly atmosphere!"

There was also a focus on youth development in partnership with Mobiliar Insurance and the Musicschool Burgdorf which saw a free 'taster afternoon' for children interested in brass music playing from the Oberburg region. 14 beginners rehearsed two pieces that were later performed.

With the support of local businesses which saw shops and stalls provide plenty of food and drink, including local delicacies, it was a memorable day, topped by outstanding winning performances.

Over champions

In the main A Class brass band category, that came from Brass Band Emmental from Oberburg as they gave an outstanding rendition of the march, 'The Wizard' by George Allan under the baton of Jan Muller to claim the 3500 CHF top prize.

It enabled them to pip rivals Brass Band Berner Oberland who played 'Glory' by Derek Broadbent, with Brass Band Reiden's account of 'Arnhem' was third.

B Class winners

In the B Class category there was victory for Musikgesellschaft Darstetten conducted by Bernhard Ruchti who claimed the honours and the 1,500 CHF top prize with their vibrant account of 'The Bombardier' by T.J. Powell.

Just a point behind came Brass Band Berner Oberland Junior with their account of 'Lenzberg' by Derek Braodent, with Musikverein Buckten in third playing 'Torch of Freedom' by Eric Ball.

In the accompanying Wind Band categories, victory went to Stadtmusik Lenzberg playing 'Athletic Festival March' by Prokofiev and Stadmusik Lenzburg's rendition of 'Feurig Blut'.

Street party

Following the event there was a brilliant street party until the early hours with music provided by Pfistermen's Friends.

Festival Presidents Benjamin Wittwer and Marco Zingg told 4BR: "We were simply overwhelmed. What was achieved here in our first year exceeded all expectations. There were great bands, wonderful players, brilliant music making and friendship.

Now we are already looking forward to the second edition of the Emmental March Contest in September 2020!"

We were simply overwhelmed. What was achieved here in our first year exceeded all expectationsFestival Presidents Benjamin Wittwer and Marco Zingg

Results:
Class A:

1. Brass Band Emmental (Jan Muller) — 95
2. Brass Band Berner Oberland (Corsin Tuor) — 94
3. Brass Band Reiden (Roland Froscher) — 93
4. Oberaargauer Brass Band (Christoph Luchsinger) — 92

Class B:

1. Musikgesellschaft Darstetten (Bernard Ruchti) — 92
2. Brass Band Berner Oberland Junior (Jan Muller) — 91
3. Musikverein Buckten (Cedric Fuhrer) — 90
4. Brass Band PC LutzelfluhGruenmatt (Matthias Siegenthaler) — 89
5. Musikgesellschaft Biglen (Michael Sallin) — 88
6. Brass Band Gurbetal (Urs Stahli) — 87
7. New Brass Hindelbank (Walter Heiniger) — 86
8. Musikgesellschaft Krauchtal (Jakob Banz) — 85
9. Musikgesellschaft Detligen (Yannick Mathys) — 84
10. Musikgesellschaft Doppleschwand (Jerome Muller) — 83