The 8th Euro Brass Championships 2009 are set to take place on June 13th next year in the 1000 seater De Lawei Concert Hall in Drachten in the Netherlands.

The only annual entertainment festival in Benelux, the main goal of the contest is to make it possible for brass bands to present themselves to a wider musical audience.

Groups

Participating bands are divided into an A, B and C Groups. In the A Group (Championship Section) each band will perform a concert programme of 40 minutes duration, whilst bands in the B Group (1st and 2nd Sections) and C Group (3rd and 4th Section) this will be 30 minutes.

This though does include applause, preparation and clearing of (percussion) instruments and presentation. Penalty points will be deducted if bands go over their allotted time limits.

The only annual entertainment festival in Benelux, the main goal of the contest is to make it possible for brass bands to present themselves to a wider musical audienceOrganisers

Adjudication:

An isolated professional jury evaluates the musical performance of the bands (maximum of 200 points).

Musical elements:

Each band must include in its concert programme the following elements:
1. A minimum of, for example, one solo, duet or trio work that will compete for the soloist prize.
2. A minimum of one piece from a Dutch of Belgian composer or arranger.

Incorporation of a major work (‘test piece’) is customary but not compulsory. In 2009 an extra prize for the best principal cornet player will be awarded.

Registration:

Registration for the 8th edition of Euro Brass lasts until February 1st 2009.

Until then bands can show their interest by sending an email message to eurobrass@silverhuys.nl. It is advisable to do this as soon as possible.

Accommodation

Succesful bands receive an official invitation by the Euro Brass Foundation which can be used for fundraising reasons. The organisation has excellent local arrangements to help foreign bands in finding affordable accommodation and coach travel in the Netherlands.

All information about Euro Brass 2009 is to be found on www.eurobrassdrachten.eu.