The following test pieces have been selected for Open Grade Brass Bands at the 2008 Victorian State Brass Band Championships:

A Grade: Partita, Philip Sparke
B Grade: Between the Two Rivers, Philip Sparke Press
C Grade: The Four Noble Truths, Philip Sparke
D Grade: Music for a Festival, Philip Sparke

In addition to the test piece, Open Brass Bands are required to perform a hymn, concert item and march.

The time limit for the hymn is 3 minutes, and the time limit for the combination of concert item and march is 10 minutes.

Junior Brass Bands

No test pieces have been selected for Junior Brass Bands. Junior Brass Bands are required to perform an own choice major work, plus two contrasting concert items. Total playing time is not to exceed 20 minutes.

Concert Bands

No test pieces have been selected for Concert Bands. Concert Bands are required to perform an own choice major work, plus two contrasting concert items. Total playing time is not to exceed 25 minutes.

Contest Venue & Dates

The 2008 Victorian State Band Championships will be held at the Wendouree Centre for the Performing Arts, Howitt Street, Wendouree on the weekend of 23rd & 24th August.

Following is the indicative schedule for the weekend:

Open Concert Bands (all grades): Saturday 23rd August (afternoon)
Open A Grade Brass Bands: Saturday 23rd August (evening)
Junior Brass Bands (all grades): Sunday 24th August (morning)
Open D, C & B Grade Brass Bands: Sunday 24th August (morning/afternoon/evening)

NB: Should this indicative schedule adversely affect your band’s participation, please advise the VBL as soon as possible.

Full contest details, schedule and entry forms will be released shortly and the final schedule announced after entries close.