The organisers of the German Open Brass Band Championships have informed 4BR that they are hoping to attract bands from across Europe to their event later in the year.
The competition will take place in Warstein-Belecke in the picturesque area of Sauerland in North Rhine-Westphalia over the weekend of the 20th-22nd October, in cooperation between the German Brass Band Association and the International Brass Festival Sauerland-Herbst.
Three sections
It offers three sections of competition: A Section for Championship/First Section graded bands; B Section for First/Second and C Section for those graded Third/Fourth and Youth. Bands can elect to put themselves in a higher section. Up to 35 performers are allowed.
In the A Section bands must include a solo work and a major test-piece in a set no longer than 35 minutes.
B Section competitors must include a major test-piece plus a hymn tune or march in a set no longer than 25 minutes.
C Section entrants must include a test-piece in a set no longer than 25 minutes in duration.
Jury
The international jury consists of Festival Director, Prof. Thomas Clamor, Bertrand Moren and Andrea Price. There is a comprehensive list of prizes as well as a gala concert provided by German Champion, 3BA Concert Band which rounds off the weekend.