The Brass Band Association of New Zealand (BBANZ) has invited submissions by New Zealand composers to be considered as the test-piece selections for the 2026 National Brass Band Championships to be held in Wellington.

Final selection

The submissions will be assessed by a panel of prominent figures in the international brass band movement, and their shortlist of works will be presented to the adjudicator(s) for the 2026 contest to make the final selection.

The recommendation is that the works do not exceed the following duration and percussion requirements for the given grades:

A Grade: 18 minutes, 4 percussionists (including timpani)
B Grade: 15 minutes, 4 percussionists (including timpani)
C Grade: 12 minutes, 3 percussionists (including timpani)
D Grade: 6 minutes*, 3 percussionists (including timpani)
*The D Grade test selection is to be a sacred/reflective item.

Submissions have also been invited for solo brass works with piano accompaniment by New Zealand composers to be considered for the series of Open Solo selections for the event.

Recommendations

BBANZ recommends that works not exceed 8 minutes in duration
For further information on the band pieces, please contact Brendan Agnew at: brendan.agnew.nz@gmail.com

For further information on the solo pieces, please contact Grant Langdon at: gklklangdon@gmail.com

A link to the submission form is available at:

Band: https://forms.gle/PKiDC74g4XqT4j9a7
Solo: https://forms.gle/6bMHTi1gC7Zszua6A