On the eve of the Ohio Brass Arts Festival, organisers feel confident they will be able to avoid the snow that plagued them back in March and forced them to reschedule the event.
Grand Opening
The festival opens Thursday night at Weigel Hall (The Ohio State University) with Seymour Tower Brass, followed by the reigning NABBA and US Open Champions, Fountain City Brass Band. Fountain City Brass Band is on their way to Danville, KY for the Great American Brass Band Festival and Columbus, OH makes a nice stop on the way.
Tempting Fate Once More?
Whilst there will likely be no snow (forecasts have the high at 30 C), the second day of OBAF will be on Friday the 13th. Events will be held at the Chapel at Worthington Woods and feature the host Salvation Army Band and a presentation on brass bands by American brass band legend Dr. Paul Droste.
Additionally, there will be a Repertoire Band that all are welcome to bring their horn/sticks and play along as they sight read through recent brass band compositions, including the three finalists for the Ohio Brass Arts Festival Composition Contest, at which time the winner will be announced.
Following the concert there will be a social event at the neighboring pub the "Winking Lizard" where a small ensemble, from the Brass Band of Columbus, called BBC2 will entertain.
Main Event
Saturday's Main Event will begin at 10:15am with a Sibelius masterclass presented by Dr. Jay Dorfman (Kent State University). Performances the rest of the day will include the TBDBITL Active Band, JV All-Stars, Brass Band of Columbus (2006 NABBA Champions), Chapel Brass, Scioto Valley Brass & Percussion Company, Brass Band of the Tri-State (2006-8 NABBA Explorer Section Champions), All-Star Brass & Percussion Company and host, Central Ohio Brass Band (2007 NABBA Honors Section Champions and 2008 Runners-up).
After the event there will be a brass band pub quiz at McFadden's Saloon with various prizes. It looks to be a fantastic weekend with lots of great bands, new music and fine performances. More information can be found at www.ohiobrassbands.com.
