There was a further major shift in the destination of contesting silverware at the North American Championships in Huntsville, Alabama on the weekend, as Five Lakes Silver Band from Rochester Hill in Michigan claimed their first Championship Section National title.

Founded in 2006, their remarkable progress in securing the accolade has been spearheaded since 2019 MD Christopher Ward. However, this result continued a rich vein of form that had seen them win the US Open in November 2022 as well as retain the Dublin Festival of Brass title in March.

Titan basis

The basis of their victory came on the set-work, with an outstanding rendition of Herman Pallhuber's 'Titan's Progress' packed with detail and purposeful impulse to secure a clean sweep of first place technical as well as artistic marks from judges Dr Howard Evans, Col (ret.) Thomas Palmatier and Allan Ramsay.

That performance was subsequently followed the next day with a solidly delivered rendition of their own-choice of 'On the Shoulders of Giants'.

Although that came fourth, it still enabled them to secure the title on overall average marks from defending champion Fountain City Brass led Michael Fowles, with James Madison University conducted by Kevin Stees in third.

2017 Champion Atlantic Brass Band eventually finished fourth, although they topped the own-choice discipline, with former winner Chicago in fifth ahead of Georgia Brass Band.

Thrilled

Reflecting on their triumph on their Facebook page after the event, Five Lakes Silver said: "We are thrilled and delighted to take first place in this year's NABBA Championship Section. In a year full of stellar performances, we are truly grateful to have shared the stage with many immensely talented bands competing this weekend."

The Championships employ an adjudication rubric system that is weighted 60%/40% in respected to the test-piece and own-choice disciplines.

Five Lakes therefore led on the first day from James Madison University, with Fountain City in third ahead of Chicago, Atlantic Brass Band and Brass Band of Central Florida.

However, it was Atlantic under the experienced Salvatore Scarpa that headed the own-choice table as their warmly textured performance of 'Saints Triumphant' saw them gain top marks from Howard Evans and Thomas Palmatier, and second place from Allan Ramsay.

Dramatic

Fountain City's dramatic 'Journey of the Lone Wolf' picked by top marks from Allan, but second placed finishes from the other judges meant that they could not overcome the first day deficit.

James Madison's consistency in coming third on 'Perihelion — Closer to the Sun' ensured they maintained their position as a leading contender of major honours under Kevin Stees' informed direction. It was the band's fifth overall podium finish at the event in the last six competitive years.

Elsewhere there were boldly delivered performances from the other competitors with Georgia's, 'Dynasty' in fifth and newly promoted Dallas and their 'Journey of the Lone Wolf' in sixth.

Despite the complexities of the marking rubric, there was little doubt that over the two days Five Lakes richly deserved a victory that has now given North America a significant addition to its worldwide comparative top section credentials.

First Section:

There was a clear-cut victory to celebrate in the First Section as former top section champion Princeton Brass Band claimed the title under the direction of the renowned New York Staff Band euphonium player Aaron Vanderweele.

It marked the band's first appearance back at the event since 2017, and was marked by topping both the set-work and own-choice disciplines thanks to excellent renditions of 'The Year of the Dragon' and 'Variations on an Enigma'.

Writing on their Facebook page an obviously thrilled band stated: "Delighted to announce we are the First Sections at NABBA 2023!!! Huge thank yous to all of those who have supported us along the way."

Encouraging

There was also a highly encouraging best ever finish for Colorado Brass in coming runner-up — thanks to a free flowing account of their own-choice selection of 'Devil and the Deep Blue Sea', ahead of Dublin Silver.

They were tied in first place with Princeton after the set-test, but never quite played to that form the following day on 'Essay for Brass Band' to eventually finish ninth and come third overall.

Fourth place overall was claimed by Arkansas Musicworks ahead of Triangle Brass Band and Illinois Brass Band.

Second Section:

There was a substantial victory in the Second Section as San Francisco Brass Band conducted by Dr Craig McKenzie topped both music disciplines (with just one judge in one element not placing them first) to claim the title.

Formed in 2019, they are the only British style brass band in the region, and is made up of a wide variety of professional, amateur, student and retired players.

After coming fifth last year they showcased their progress in fine style on the set-work, 'Purcell Variations' by Kenneth Downie as well as their own-choice of 'The Patriots'.

Kevin Stees' once again showed his considerable talent in shaping performances as he led Massanutten Brass Band from Virginia into second placed, helped by a colourful rendition of Philip Harper's 'Kingdom of Dragons', with Old Crown Brass Band (who also played Jan de Haan's 'The Patriots') in third, led by the exciting conducting talent of Bryen Warfield.

The remaining top-six places went to St. Louis Brass Band, Natural State Brass Band and Cincinnati Brass Band.

Third Section:

There was also a clear victory in the Third Section as Jacksonville State University Brass Band from north east Alabama and directed by Dr Casey Thomas, secured victory on only their second competitive outing.

Formed in 2022, the band which comprises graduate and undergraduate performers is a sibling of the firmly established Jacksonville State University Brass Choir that has been in existence since the 1950s.

Their vibrant performance of the set-work, 'Sinfonietta No. 4' by Etienne Crausaz and their own-choice of 'Images for Brass' by Steven Bulla saw them top both contest disciplines.

The youngsters of Fountain City Youth Brass Academy once again showcased their emerging talent with a brace of mature performances, especially on their own-choice of 'Dark Side of the Moon' to come runner-up, with the vastly experienced Dr Keith Wilkinson leading Dublin Metro Brass into third helped by a neatly delivered 'Saint-Saens Variations'.

The remaining top-six places went to Roman Festival Brass, Motor City Youth Academy Brass Band and East Central University Brass Band.

Youth Sections:

Although there were only three separate entrants in the various Youth Sections there was much to enjoy from the performances of Watson Brass Band (Jesse Brackley), Triangle Youth Brass Band (Matt Edwards) and Triangle Youth Academy Brass Band (Robin Gorman) in claiming their accolades.

Meanwhile, the NABBA organisers will have been delighted at the success of their event (the second largest entry in its history) since its return from Covid-19, with a growing geographical spread of bands now competing.

NABBA hosted its own live-stream broadcast, with Huntsville's Von Braun Centre also offering excellent facilities to add to the local attractions, which they will hope will encourage more bands, performers and supporters to attend in 2024.

For further information go to: www.nabba.org

We are thrilled and delighted to take first place in this year's NABBA Championship Section. In a year full of stellar performances, we are truly grateful to have shared the stage with many immensely talented bandsFive Lakes

Results:

Championship Section:

Adjudicators: Dr Howard Evans, Col (ret.) Thomas Palmatier, Allan Ramsay
Set Work: Titan's Progress (Hermann Pallhuber)
Set Work (60%)/ Own Choice (40%) = Sub-total (Average)

1. Five Lakes Silver Band (Christopher Ward): 174.00/113.50 = 287.500 (95.833)
2. Fountain City Brass Band (Michael Fowles): 166.95/115.80 = 282.750 (94.250)
3. James Madison University Brass Band (Prof Kevin Stees): 168.45/114.20 = 282.650 (94.217)
4. Atlantic Brass Band (Salvatore Scarpa): 158.70/116.60 = 275.300 (91.767)
5. Chicago Brass Band (Mark Taylor): 160.05/107.80 = 267.850 (89.283)
6. Georgia Brass Band (Dr Colin Holman): 153.30/110.90 = 264.200 (88.067)
7. Brass Band of Central Florida (Gareth Pritchard): 156.90/107.20 = 264.100 (88.033)
8. Dallas Brass Band (Grant Jameson): 153.60/108.50 = 262.100 (87.367)
9. Brass Band of Northern Virginia (Dr Brian Bowman): 147.60/106.40 = 254.000 (84.667)

First Section:

Adjudicators: Dr John Falscow, J. Shaw/Dr T. Andre Faegin, Jessica Sneeringer
Set Work: The Year of the Dragon (Philip Sparke)
Set Work (60%)/ Own Choice (40%) = Sub-total (Average)

1. Princeton Brass Band (Aaron Vanderweele): 166.65/112.40 = 279.050 (93.017)
2. Colorado Brass (Dr Brett Keating): 162.75/110.80 = 273.550 (91.183)
3. Dublin Silver Band (Tim Jameson): 166.65/103.50 = 270.150 (90.050)
4. Arkansas Musicworks Brass Band (Lt. Brandon R. Hults): 162.60/106.60 = 269.200 (89.733)
5. Triangle Brass Band (Tony Granados): 162.90/104.80 = 267.700 (89.233)
6. Illinois Brass Band (Stephen Squires): 149.40/111.60 = 261.000 (87.000)
7. Oakland University Brass Band (Kenneth Kroesche): 150.00/110.90 = 260.900 (86.967)
8. Diamond Brass Band (Dr Sarah Labovitz): 151.05/105.00 = 256.050 (85.350)
9. Madison Brass Band (Andy Malovance): 149.85/104.40 = 254.250 (84.750)

Second Section:

Adjudicators: Col (ret.) James Jackson, John Phillips, Jack Stamp
Set Work: Purcell Variations (Kenneth Downie)
Set Work (60%)/ Own Choice (40%) = Sub-total (Average)

1. San Francisco Brass Band (Dr Craig McKenzie): 168.00/112.90 = 280.900 (93.633)
2. Massanutten Brass Band (Kevin Stees): 162.90/109.20 = 272.100 (90.700)
3. Old Crown Brass Band (Bryen Warfield): 159.60/108.30 = 267.900 (89.300)
4. St. Louis Brass Band (Dr John Bell): 161.55/106.10 = 267.650 (89.217)
5. Natural State Brass Band (Nevada Mills): 160.35/106.40 = 266.750 (88.917)
6. Cincinnati Brass Band (Dr Benjamin A. Chamberlain): 162.00/103.30 = 265.300 (88.433)
7. Brass Band of Huntsville (Stephen Bulla): 157.71/106.50 = 264.210 (88.070)
8. Motor City Brass Band (Gordon Ward): 154.50/99.40 = 253.900 (84.633)
9. Tampa Brass Band (Tina Dimeglio): 145.50/105.30 = 250.800 (83.600)

Third Section:

Adjudicators: Howard Evans, Col (ret.) Thomas Palmatier, Allan Ramsay
Set Work: Sinfonietta No.4 (Etienne Crausaz)
Set Work (60%)/ Own Choice (40%) = Sub-total (Average)

1. Jacksonville State University Brass Band (Dr Casey Thomas): 163.50/111.00 = 274.500 (91.500)
2. Fountain City Youth Brass Academy (Dr Helen Harrelson & Dr Lee Harrelson): 162.00/108.20 = 270.200 (90.067)
3. Dublin Metro Brass (Dr Keith Wilkinson): 156.30/104.60 = 260.900 (86.967)
4. Roman Festival Brass (Don Robinson): 146.10/97.60 = 243.700 (81.233)
5. Motor City Youth Academy Brass Band (Bona Opatich): 141.00/91.50 = 232.500 (77.500)
6. East Central University Brass Band (Dr Jace T. Vickers): 138.90/89.80 = 228.700 (76.233)
7. Crossroads Brass Band (Dr Jon Noworyta): 134.40/85.80 = 220.200 (73.400)

Youth Championship Section:

Adjudicators: Col (ret.) James Jackson, John Phillips, Jack Stamp
Set Work: The Saga of Tyrfing (Jacob Vilhelm Larsen)
Set Work (60%)/ Own Choice (40%) = Sub-total (Average)

1. Watson Brass Band (Jesse Brackley): 166.50/110.20 = 276.700 (92.233)

Youth First Section:

Adjudicators: Col (ret.) James Jackson, John Phillips, Jack Stamp
Set Work: The Seasons (Philip Wilby)
Set Work (60%)/ Own Choice (40%) = Sub-total (Average)

1. Triangle Youth Brass Band (Matt Edwards): 149.85/102.00 = 251.850 (83.950)

Youth Open Section:

Adjudicators: Col (ret.) James Jackson, John Phillips, Jack Stamp
Set Work (60%)/ Own Choice (40%) = Sub-total (Average)
Own Choice: Anglian Dances (Alan Fernie)

1. Triangle Youth Academy Brass Band (Robin Gorham): 235.00 (78.333)