The Dublin Jerome Performing Arts Center provided the vibrant hub as ten bands gathered from three states for the 2025 Dublin Festival of Brass.
Known for its spirit of camaraderie and musical excellence, the event showcased an extended selection of repertoire, enabling the competitors to demonstrate their artistic versatility.
The format offered the opportunity to select two pieces from a variety of options, including a fanfare, slow melody, solo or section feature, and march. Each band also performed a major work, enabling them to showcase the full range of their competitive talents.
Droste Shield success
The keenly fought Elite Division, and its Droste Shield was won by the defending champion, Five Lakes Silver Band conducted by Christopher Ward.
They performed a programme of 'Phenomena Fanfare', 'Embers' and 'A Brussels Requiem' as they secured the honours by a clear margin from second placed, Oakland University Brass Band (Kenneth Koesche) with Dublin Silver Band (Tim Jameson) in third.
Oakland played a trio of 'Dynasty', the march 'ORB' and 'Lux Aurumque', whilst Dublin showcased 'Ghosts of Industry', 'Euroflash' and 'Hymn for Diana'.
During the awards ceremony, Diana Droste Herak, daughter of the trophy's namesake Dr. Paul Droste, presented the shield, celebrating her father's ongoing contributions to brass banding and his lasting impact on the community.
Wonderful day
Reflecting on their victory on their Facebook page the band stated: "What a wonderful day at the Dublin Festival of Brass! The band will be returning home with the Droste Shield for the Fourth year in a row!
Congratulations to our friends in the Motor City Brass Band. Father and son conductors, Gordon and Christopher Ward are on a run after leading their bands to first place prizes.
They added: "Congratulations to all the participating bands today on a fine day of performances and a huge thank you to Dublin Bands for a well run event and being excellent Hosts!"
Challenge Section:
The Challenge Section was won by Motor City Brass Band led by Gordon Ward, father of Christopher, in what was a unique contesting 'double'. They performed the march 'Arnhem', as well as 'Reflections in Nature' and 'Laude'.
Second place went to River's Edge Brass Band (Dr Kevin Holzman) with a set that included 'Deep Harmony', 'Purcell Variants' and 'A Moorside Suite', whilst third placed Cincinnati (Joshua Thompson) featured the march 'ORB', 'Sanctuary' and 'The Raid'.
Open reading
On Friday night before the main Droste Shield Competition, the DFOB adjudicators led an open reading band that previewed music from the newly-revived NABBA Instant Band.
Dr. Ishbah Cox, Gareth Pritchard, and Jessica Sneeringer served as Saturday's adjudicators, offering valuable feedback as well as utilising the NABBA scoring system for the contests. The system will also be used for the forthcoming North American Brass Band Championships in April.
The Youth Section was a particular highlight of the event, with the Dublin Youth Brass Band giving a fine account of themselves as they prepare for their first trip to the National Championships in Fort Wayne. The band also featured the event's youngest performer — just 11 years of age.
Energy and enthusiasm
Reflecting on the event, Brad Vrooman, Chairperson of the Festival told 4BR: "This year's festival was the first to be presented by the new Dublin Festival of Brass committee, who worked tirelessly to make the event a success.
The organisers extend their heartfelt thanks to the many sponsors, volunteers, and participants whose support and dedication made the day possible.
The energy and enthusiasm of the participants were palpable throughout, from the first notes of the morning to the triumphant finales. Players, directors, and audience members alike expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to perform, connect, and celebrate the art of brass banding."
4BR was informed that preparations are already underway for the 2026 event.
What a wonderful day at the Dublin Festival of Brass! The band will be returning home with the Droste Shield for the Fourth year in a row!Five Lakes Brass Band
Results:
Elite Division:
Adjudicators: Ishbah Cox, Gareth Pritchard, Jessica Sneeringer
1. Five Lakes Silver (Christopher Ward): 96.625
2. Oakland University Brass Band (Kenneth Kroesche): 92.688
3. Dublin Silver Band (Tim Jameson): 92.104
Challenge Section:
Adjudicators: Ishbah Cox, Gareth Pritchard, Jessica Sneeringer
1. Motor City Brass Band (Gordon Ward): 90.042
2. River's Edge Brass Band (Dr Kevin Holzman): 87.792
3. Cincinnati Brass Band (Joshua Thompson): 87.104
4. Central Ohio Brass Band (Benjamin Coy): 86.438
5. Dublin Metro Brass (Jason Nippert): 84.375
6. Crossroads Brass Band (Jon Noworyta): 81.354
Individual/Section Award Winners:
Best Soprano Cornet: Motor City Brass Band
Best Cornet Section: Five Lakes Silver Band
Best Flugel: Five Lakes Silver Band
Best Horn Section: Five Lakes Silver Band
Best Baritone Section: Cincinnati Brass Band
Best Euphonium: Five Lakes Silver Band
Best Trombone: Bass trombone (Oakland University Brass Band)
Best Bass Section: Motor City Brass Band
Best Percussion Section: Five Lakes Silver Band
Best Youth Players: Horn & flugel horn section (Dublin Youth Brass Band)
Youngest Performer: Sam B, 11 years old (Dublin Youth Brass Band)
Full Band Awards:
Best Performance of a March in the Challenge Section: Motor City Brass Band
Best Performance of a Slow Melody in the Challenge Section: Motor City Brass Band
Best Performance of a Fanfare in the Challenge Section: Crossroads Brass Band
Best Performance of a Solo or Section Feature in the Challenge Section: Dublin Metro Brass
Best Performance of a major work in the Challenge Section: Motor City Brass Band
Best Performance of a march in the Elite Section: Oakland University Brass Band
Best Performance of a Slow Melody in the Elite Section: Five Lakes Silver Band
Best Performance of a Fanfare in the Elite Section: Five Lakes Silver Band
Best Performance of a major work in the elite section: Five Lakes Silver Band
Overall Awards:
Best Youth Band: Dublin Youth Brass Band
