The History of The Illinois Brass Band
6 Time North American Brass Band Champions
NABBA Competitions
The Illinois Brass Band has enjoyed a rich and successful history at the North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) Championships. From their first entry in 1993 through their most recent in 2022, the band has achieved 1 first place in the First Section (previously called Honors Division), and 6 first place finishes in the Championship Division. This section will delve into this rich history.
The competition is based on British Competitions. Each band enters a class, based on their perceived talent level. Each band will give a 30 minute (or so) performance. Beginning in 1994, within each class, each band is required to play a required, or test, piece. Test pieces are difficult - they are written to challenge every member of the band. A test piece can be anywhere 12 to 18 minutes in length. The rest of the competition performance is made up of selections(s) chosen by each individual band. The bands play before three blind judges. No, the judges aren't literally blind, they are placed behind a screen so they can't see what band is performing. This is designed to make the judging as fair as possible, though as will be noted later, sometimes the judges think they know what band is performing. Each judge can give a maximum of 100 points - so a "perfect score" would be 300. Judges view scores of what each band is playing and talk into a recording device while the band is playing to give their critique. They also provide written comments after the performance. Sometimes the judges audio comments are the first time the band was able to hear their performance.
There is also a solo and ensemble contest that has grown over the years. Many IBB members and ensembles have competed in, and won, the contest.
Bands are randomly drawn as to their performance order. The theory goes, the later you play in your section, the better your chance is. The judges have set their "bar" on the first one or two bands, and then they have to place each subsequent band either above or below their pre-established bar. Judging is highly subjective, Judge A might like Band A's sound and style better than Judge B. That's why they have a panel of 3 judges. It helps "balance out" the judges. Judges are usually composers, conductors, or brass band performers from around North America and Europe. IBB has performed before some of the biggest names in the global brass band scene.
NABBA 1993, Washington, DC
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The Beginning of a Storied Competition History
IBB attended its first NABBA Championship on April 2-3, 1993. The competition was held in Washington, DC, and hosted by the US Army Brass Band. IBB was new to the competition arena, and this was their first attempt. Directed by Bruce Briney, the band entered in the Honors (now 1st) Section, the band finished in 4th place, out of four bands. There was no test piece for 1993. The band played A Festival Prelude by Stephen Bulla, Royal Parks by George Lloyd, and Appalachian Mountain Folk Song Suite by James Curnow. The performance was a learning experience for the band.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Bruce Briney |
| Soprano Cornet | Nick Drozdoff |
| Solo Cornet | Guy Clark |
| Cindy Scoglio | |
| Tom Buettgen | |
| Repiano Cornet | Mick Garrison |
| Second Cornet | Kevin Warnke |
| Jim Swager | |
| Third Cornet | Colin Holman |
| Flugelhorn | |
| Tenor Horn | Stan Bouma |
| Bill Homer | |
| Baritone | Tom Gillette |
| George Foster | |
| Solo Trombone | Jeff Slepak |
| Second Trombone | |
| Bass Trombone | Dave Oakley |
| Euphonium | Ron Grundberg |
| Paul Redwood | |
| Eb Tuba | Brian Frederickson |
| Ian Robinson | |
| Bb Tuba | Jeff Lyons |
| Percussion | Ann Bidwell |
NABBA 1994, Raleigh, NC
1994 NABBA Honors Division Champions, The Illinois Brass Band
From Worst to First
The band worked hard during the winter of 1994 preparing for the upcoming NABBA Championships, held this year in Raleigh, North Carolina. With seven bands entered in the Honors Division, IBB went into the competition unaware of what was about to happen. The band drew position 5 (out of 7 bands), and entered the stage to play their program. 1994 was also the year NABBA rules stated that each band must play a required, or test, piece. Laude by James Curnow was the test piece, and the band also played the march Castell Coch (TJ Powell). Based on the advice of director Colin Holman, who grew up amongst the Brass Band scene in England, the band also started a trend in NABBA, by performing a second test piece in competition, this one being The Plantagenets by Edward Gregson. This became a staple of IBB in its early years of competition, and soon copied by many bands throughout NABBA.
IBB finished a strong first place, with a score of 276. The next closest band was Eastern Iowa, with a score of 270. The judges were James Curnow, Bram Gregson, and Frank Renton. The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Colin Holman |
| Soprano Cornet | Jim Sobacki |
| Solo Cornet | Guy Clak |
| Laura Smith | |
| Bruce Briney | |
| Kevin Warnke | |
| Repiano Cornet | Mick Garrison |
| Second Cornet | Bob Schmelzer |
| Kelly Schulz | |
| Third Cornet | Jim Swager |
| Tom Buettgen | |
| Flugelhorn | Mike Harloff |
| Tenor Horn | Stan Bouma |
| John Aren | |
| Rick Nelson | |
| Bill Homer | |
| Baritone | Tom Gillette |
| George Foster | |
| Solo Trombone | Jeff Slepak |
| Second Trombone | Hank Wintczak |
| Rob Barnes | |
| Bass Trombone | Dave Oakley |
| Euphonium | Paul Redwood |
| Ron Grundberg | |
| Eb Tuba | Dan Niesly |
| Ian Robinson | |
| Bb Tuba | Jeff Lyons |
| Brian Frederickson | |
| Percussion | Lisa-Ann Barnes |
| Hank Tausend |
Listen to IBB's performance:
1994 IBB NABBA Performance: Castel Coch (Powell)
1994 IBB NABBA Performance: Laude (Curnow)
1994 IBB NABBA Performance: The Plantangenets (Gregson)
NABBA 1995, Toronto, Canada
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A Surprising First Time in Championship Division
With nothing left to prove in the Honors Division, IBB decided to go up against the best bands in North America, and enter the Championship Division. The competition, held in Toronto, Canada, was held on April 21-22, 1995. The contest was hosted by the Weston Silver Band. Only one member of IBB entered the solo competition, John Aren on tenor horn, and he received an Honorable Mention. Colin Holman selected IBB's program, which consisted of Spectrum, by Gilbert Vinter, and the test piece, The Essence of Time, by Peter Graham. IBB performed wonderfully, and went into the awards ceremony not knowing what to expect. IBB finished a strong second, six points behind, the Brass Band of Columbus. The judges were James Curnow, Stephen Bulla, and Bramwell Tovey. Many in the band felt that "we were robbed" and that became a common joke at summer concerts. Colin would announce the results of the competition, and several members would call out "we were robbed". And Colin would answer, "yes, we were robbed." And thus a rivalry was formed between IBB and BBC that would exist for the next 10 years or so.
The band's post competition party was the start of a trend. Colin had this uncanny sense to know when to leave right before security arrived. This would occur for the next few years.
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Colin Holman |
| Soprano Cornet | Jim Sobacki |
| Solo Cornet | Guy Clak |
| Laura Smith | |
| Amy Nelson | |
| Mike Harloff | |
| Repiano Cornet | Mick Garrison |
| Second Cornet | Paul Hawn |
| Kelly Schulz | |
| Third Cornet | Bob Sven |
| Jim Swager | |
| Flugelhorn | Bob Schmelzer |
| Tenor Horn | Stan Bouma |
| John Aren | |
| Rick Nelson | |
| Baritone | Barb Swan |
| George Foster | |
| Solo Trombone | Rob Barnes |
| Second Trombone | Brian Byrne |
| John Freise | |
| Bass Trombone | Dave Oakley |
| Euphonium | Ron Grundberg |
| Paul Madura | |
| Eb Tuba | Brian Fredericksen |
| Ian Robinson | |
| Bb Tuba | Jeff Lyons |
| Andy Loeffler | |
| Percussion | Lisa-Ann Barnes |
| Bob Mattingly | |
| Phil Klickman |
Listen to IBB's performance:
1995 IBB NABBA Performance: Spectrum (Vinter)
1995 IBB NABBA Performance: The Essence of Time (Graham)
NABBA 1996, Dublin, OH
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A Rivalry Heats Up
NABBA 1996 was held on April 12-13, 1996, and hosted by the Brass Band of Columbus, right in their backyard. Dublin Coffman High School was the site of the competition, a suburb of Columbus.
Ian Robinson, John Meling, Brian Fredericksen (on double-bell euphonium), Rob Barnes, Ron Grundberg, and John Aren all entered the solo competition on Friday.
Saturday, five bands were entered in the Championship Division. BBC drew the first performance time, and IBB drew second. The test piece was Trittico by James Curnow. IBB continued their trend-setting ways by playing a second test piece, this one Dances and Arias by Edward Gregson. After all the bands played, the judging trio of Bram Gregson, Raymond Premru, and Ronald Waiksnoris placed IBB first with a score of 284. BBC finished second, 10.5 points behind.
The band's post victory celebration was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and Colin once again, left right before security arrived. Some were beginning to think he was calling security...
Even though it looks like it, Colin did not fly the plane back to Chicago.
Captain Colin and IBB return to Chicago victorious!
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Colin Holman |
| Soprano Cornet | Jim Sobacki |
| Solo Cornet | Guy Clak |
| Laura Smith | |
| Amy Nelson | |
| Kevin Warnke | |
| Mike Harloff | |
| Repiano Cornet | Mick Garrison |
| Second Cornet | Jim Swager |
| Bob Sven | |
| Third Cornet | Kelly Schulz |
| Paul Hawn | |
| Flugelhorn | Bob Schmelzer |
| Tenor Horn | Phil Klickman |
| Stan Bouma | |
| Rick Nelson | |
| Baritone | Barb Swan |
| George Foster | |
| Solo Trombone | Rob Barnes |
| Second Trombone | Brian Byrne |
| Steve Porch | |
| Bass Trombone | Dave Oakley |
| Euphonium | Ron Grundberg |
| John Meling | |
| Eb Tuba | Brian Fredericksen |
| Ian Robinson | |
| Bb Tuba | Jeff Lyons |
| Andy Loeffler | |
| Percussion | Lisa-Ann Barnes |
| Ann Bidwell | |
| Jim Bessner |
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Listen to IBB's performance:
1996 IBB NABBA Performance:Trittico (Curnow)
1996 IBB NABBA Performance:Dances and Arias (Gregson)
NABBA 1997, Red Wing, MN
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Twice Is Nice
The 1997 version of the North American Brass Band Association Championships were held on April 18-19 in Red Wing, MN. The Sheldon Theater Brass Band hosted the competition in the aptly named Sheldon Theater. On Friday Brian Byrne, Guy Clark, John Meling, Amy Nelson, Ian Robinson, Ron Grundberg, Andy Loeffler, and Rob Barnes entered the solo competition. Guy Clark finished 2nd in the Slow Melody category. Andy Loeffler and Amy Nelson received Honorable Mentions.
On Saturday, three bands took the stage in the Championship Division, with IBB being the first to play. BBC was noticeably absent this year... They opened their performance with the test piece, New Jerusalem, by Philip Wilby. The piece features an offstage solo cornet playing what composer Wilby called “The Voice of God.” Director Colin Holman, upon seeing the interior of the Sheldon Theater, noticed a sound booth at the top of the hall. He thought it would be an incredible place to put the cornet soloist, Amy Nelson. It worked to perfection, as the audience and judges (Steven Mead, David Werden, and Keith Wilkinson) were all in awe with the performance. IBB next performed the Philip Sparke test piece, Partita. IBB score of 276 was 15 points higher than Sheldon Theatre's second place.
Judge Steven Mead joined the band for their victory celebration. Once again, Colin was gone before security arrived.
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Colin Holman |
| Soprano Cornet | Jim Sobacki |
| Solo Cornet | Guy Clak |
| Laura Smith | |
| Amy Nelson | |
| Mike Harloff | |
| Kevin Warnke | |
| Repiano Cornet | Mick Garrison |
| Second Cornet | Mike Ackerman |
| Bob Sven | |
| Third Cornet | Jim Swager |
| Paul Hawn | |
| Flugelhorn | Bob Schmelzer |
| Tenor Horn | Phil Klickman |
| Stan Bouma | |
| Rick Nelson | |
| Baritone | Barb Swan |
| George Foster | |
| Solo Trombone | Rob Barnes |
| Second Trombone | Brian Byrne |
| Steve Porch | |
| Bass Trombone | Dave Oakley |
| Euphonium | Ron Grundberg |
| John Meling | |
| Eb Tuba | Roger Rocco |
| Brian Fredericksen | |
| Bb Tuba | Jeff Lyons |
| Andy Loeffler | |
| Percussion | Lisa-Ann Barnes |
| Ann Bidwell | |
| Craig Taylor |
Listen to IBB's performance:
1997 IBB NABBA Performance: New Jerusalem (Wilby)
1997 IBB NABBA Performance: Partita (Sparke)
1997 IBB NABBA Judges Comments
NABBA 1998, Lexington, KY
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A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Three-Peat
NABBA 1998 was held on April 17-18, 1998, at the Singletary Center for the Arts on the campus of the University of Kentucky, in Lexington. The Lexington Brass Band was host. On Friday, Lisa-Ann Barnes, Phil Klickman, Brian Byrne, Guy Clark, John Meling, Amy Nelson, Jim Sobacki, Rob Barnes, and Andy Loeffler entered the solo competition. And a first for IBB, the Illinois Brass Band Quintet entered the ensemble competition. Amy Nelson finished second in the Adult Technical section. Phil Klickman finished second, and Brian Byrne third, in the Adult Slow Melody section. IBB has become quite accomplished in the Friday contests.
On Saturday, seven bands hit the stage in the Championship Section. IBB draw was the third band to play. NABBA has a little known rule, that IBB called the "Three-Peat" rule. Bands, upon winning their section for three consecutive years must move up a section, or sit out the following year. With IBB being in the Championship Division, the highest one, they had a plan. For a few years, IBB thought it would be good to host the championships, and to host it "the IBB way." Their goal was to win the Three-Peat in 1998, then sit out in 1999 and host the championship. They were awarded the hosting of NABBA 1999 in 1997. Everything was going to plan until the band hit the stage on April 18, During the test piece, Contest Music by Wilfred Heaton, something happened. No one is sure, but the recording shows that around the 3 minute mark, hardly any music is heard. This goes on for about two minutes until you hear bass trombonist Dave Oakley come in with a vengeance. Dave set the band back on track, and the performance continued. What happened? No one knows for sure, but by the end of the test piece, everyone in the band knew that the Three-Peat was over. During the band's performance of their choice piece, test piece Jazz by Philip Wilby, the band played with reckless abandon. They were completely loose, and played like they had never before.
When the scores were announced later that evening, IBB was floored. The judges, Bram Gay, James Hile, and Ray Tizzard placed IBB first with a score of 286, besting the second place Eastern Iowa Brass Band by 23 points! The Three-Peat was accomplished! The party that evening was held in disbelief!
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Colin Holman |
| Soprano Cornet | Jim Sobacki |
| Solo Cornet | Amy Nelson |
| Laura Smith | |
| Mike Harloff | |
| Mike Ackerman | |
| Repiano Cornet | Mick Garrison |
| Second Cornet | Jim Swager |
| Bob Sven | |
| Third Cornet | Paul Hawn |
| Rick Swords | |
| Flugelhorn | Bob Schmelzer |
| Guy Clark | |
| Tenor Horn | Phil Klickman |
| Stan Bouma | |
| Rick Nelson | |
| Baritone | Barb Swan |
| George Foster | |
| Solo Trombone | Rob Barnes |
| Second Trombone | Brian Byrne |
| Steve Porch | |
| Bass Trombone | Dave Oakley |
| Euphonium | John Meling |
| Ken Norman | |
| Eb Tuba | Joe Exley |
| Andy Loeffler | |
| Bb Tuba | Jeff Lyons |
| Tim | |
| Percussion | Lisa-Ann Barnes |
| Ann Bidwell | |
| Don Hackmeister |
Listen to IBB's performance:
1998 IBB NABBA Performance: Contest Music (Heaton)
1998 IBB NABBA Performance: Jazz (Wilby)
1998 IBB NABBA Judges Comments
NABBA 1999, St.Charles, IL
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Hosting is a lot of Work!
IBB got their wish. The task of hosting NABBA was IBB's. The band, after much deliberation on a place to host the competition, decided on Pheasant Run Resort, in St. Charles, IL. The band chose that specific space because the entire competition would be held under one roof. In past years, the competition had been held in places where you would have to go outside between venues. The host band is rolling the dice with the weather - basically hoping that the weather would cooperate and attendees would be dry going between buildings. And April weather in Chicago can be beautiful. Or horrible. Pheasant Run fit that bill. There were several conference rooms / small auditoriums for solo and ensemble contests. Plus two large venues for the full band competitions. The band had to borrow percussion and music stands from all over Chicagoland. They even borrowed two trucks to haul said equipment from the Eastern Iowa Brass Band. Planning and running the weekend required everyone in the band, as well as dozens of volunteers.
The competition was held on April 23-24, 1999. Friday was the usual solo and ensemble competitions. This year, only Amy Nelson, John Meling, and Dave Oakley entered. Amy Nelson finished first in the Adult Technical Section, a first for Amy, and IBB.
In previous competitions, Friday evening, after the days events, a concert has been held. This year, IBB decided to host a Welcome Concert. The program included features of each section of the band, and also featured guest soloists (and judge for the weekend) Steve Sykes (tuba), Brett Baker (trombone), and Sarah Holman (vocals). The concert was well received. Recording of several of the selections is below. The following members played the concert:
| Conductor | Colin Holman |
| Soprano Cornet | Jim Sobacki |
| Solo Cornet | Guy Clark |
| Laura Smith | |
| Amy Nelson | |
| Mike Ackerman | |
| Repiano Cornet | Mick Garrison |
| Second Cornet | Rick Swords |
| Jim Swager | |
| Third Cornet | Paul Hawn |
| Bob Sven | |
| Flugelhorn | Mike Harloff |
| Tenor Horn | Phil Klickman |
| Stan Bouma | |
| Rick Nelson | |
| Baritone | Barb Swan |
| George Foster | |
| Solo Trombone | Rob Barnes |
| Second Trombone | Brian Byrne |
| Bass Trombone | Dave Oakley |
| Euphonium | John Meling |
| Tom Runty | |
| Ken Norman | |
| Eb Tuba | Andy Loeffler |
| Anthony Carmarda | |
| Bb Tuba | Jeff Lyons |
| Percussion | Lisa-Ann Barnes |
| Tye Radcliffe | |
| Carol Cadden |
Listen to IBB's performance:
1999 IBB NABBA Performance: Brass Presentation
1999 IBB NABBA Performance: Hora Staccato
1999 IBB NABBA Performance: Temptress for Trombones
1999 IBB NABBA Performance:Concerto for Brass
Competition Saturday
On Saturday, a then record 17 bands entered the competition stage, including 5 in the Championship Section. Old nemesis Brass Band of Columbus won with a score of 276, 14 points ahead of the Eastern Iowa Brass Band. That evening, the Chicago Staff Band played at the Gala Concert when the awards were announced. The post competition party was the classiest to date, hosted by Pheasant Run in their Mega Center.
The weekend was a success. It also was an immense amount of work. Looking back, as of November, 1998, IBB didn't have a venue selected, or any equipment lined up. The board, which ran the event, worked hard as a team to plan everything, and execute it. NABBA was so impressed they asked for IBB to document exactly how to run a competition. And NABBA also hosted the competition itself back at Pheasant Run in 2005. And that year also marked a changed in how the competition is run. NABBA took the financial risk of hosting the competition off of member bands and have hosted the competition ever since. A poorly run competition has the potential to financially ruin a member band.
NABBA 2000, Columbus, OH
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Winning Ways Return
NABBA 2000 returned to Columbus, OH, home turf for the Brass Band of Columbus. And the two top bands in North America were back duking it out for the top spot. The competition weekend was on April 14-15, 2000 at the Capitol and Palace Theatres in downtown Columbus. The weekend was hosted by All-Star Brass Bands. On Friday, Amy Nelson, Brian Byrne, John Meling, Laura Smith, and Andy Loeffler entered the solo contests. On Saturday, the two heavy weights joined five other bands in the Championship Section. The test piece, Whitsun Wakes (Michael Ball) proved challenging. IBB chose another Philip Sparke test caliber piece, Harmony Music. New for 1999 was NABBA's revised scoring structure. The test piece now accounted for 60% of a band's total score. The remaining portion of the program was now worth 40%. IBB members behind the scenes called the "The IBB Rule" due to the 1998 Contest Music performance.
The judges for the Championship section were Lieutenant Colonel David Deitrick, Richard Holz, and James Anderson. One of the judges even mistakenly referred to the band as BBC during their audio comments. The band wasn't sure how to take that reference. IBB's performance lacked the drama of 1998, and after playing in the coveted final position, IBB finished first again with a score of 286.4. Second was none other than BBC, 4.6 points behind. IBB was victorious again! The celebratory party was again one for the ages.
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Colin Holman |
| Soprano Cornet | Jim Sobacki |
| Solo Cornet | Guy Clark |
| Laura Smith | |
| Amy Nelson | |
| Mike Ackerman | |
| Repiano Cornet | Mick Garrison |
| Bill Hampton | |
| Second Cornet | Bob Schmelzer |
| Jim Swager | |
| Third Cornet | Paul Hawn |
| Bob Sven | |
| Flugelhorn | Mike Harloff |
| Tenor Horn | Phil Klickman |
| Stan Bouma | |
| Rick Nelson | |
| Baritone | Barb Swan |
| George Foster | |
| Solo Trombone | Rob Barnes |
| Second Trombone | Brian Byrne |
| Bass Trombone | Jeff Banyots |
| Euphonium | John Meling |
| Tom Runty | |
| Ken Norman | |
| Eb Tuba | Andy Loeffler |
| Anthony Carmarda | |
| Bb Tuba | Jeff Lyons |
| Kent Beernink | |
| Percussion | Lisa-Ann Barnes |
| Tye Radcliffe | |
| Ann Bidwell |
Listen to IBB's performance:
2000 IBB NABBA Performance:WhitsunWakes (Ball)
2000 IBB NABBA Performance:Harmony Music (Sparke)
NABBA 2001, Washington, DC
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Back-to-Back Yet Again
NABBA 2001 returned to Washington, DC, for the first time since 1993. The competition was held on April 20-21, 2001, at Fort Myer, Virginia. The weekend was hosted by the United States Army Brass Band. On Friday, Laura Shea-Clark, Amy Nelson, Andy Loeffler, Jim Sobacki, John Meling, Guy Clark, and Mike Harloff entered the Solo competition. And for the first time, the IBB Percussion, playing body percussion, entered the Ensemble Competition. The IBB Percussion finished first and brought home the plaque and the $70 that came with the honor. Their comments are below.
On Saturday, six bands entered the Championship Section. The judges for the Championship Section were Stephen Bulla, Bram Gay, and old IBB friend, Steve Sykes. The test piece was Masters of Space and Time (Broughton). IBB chose Martin Ellerby's test piece Tristen Encounters as their choice piece. Drawing the fourth position, IBB once again bested BBC for the title. IBB's score of 275.8 bested BBC by 5.4 points. The rivalry has been brought back in full force. Little did the membership know that this would be the last NABBA Competition that Colin Holman would conduct IBB.
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Colin Holman |
| Soprano Cornet | Jim Sobacki |
| Solo Cornet | Guy Clark |
| Laura Shea-Clark | |
| Amy Nelson | |
| Mike Harloff | |
| Repiano Cornet | Mick Garrison |
| Second Cornet | Jim Swager |
| Bob Sven | |
| Third Cornet | Paul Hawn |
| Bob Schmelzer | |
| Flugelhorn | Mike Harloff |
| Tenor Horn | Phil Klickman |
| Stan Bouma | |
| Rick Nelson | |
| Baritone | Barb Swan |
| George Foster | |
| Tenor Trombones | Rob Barnes |
| Brian Byrne | |
| Bass Trombone | Jeff Banyots |
| Euphonium | John Meling |
| Tom Runty | |
| Ken Norman | |
| Eb Tuba | Andy Loeffler |
| Anthony Carmarda | |
| Bb Tuba | Jeff Lyons |
| Kent Beernink | |
| Percussion | Lisa-Ann Barnes |
| Ann Bidwell | |
| Teralyn Schwab |
Listen to IBB's performance:
2001 IBB NABBA Performance:Masters of Space and Time (Broughton)
2001 IBB NABBA Performance:Tristen Encounters (Ellerby)
2001 IBB Percussion Ensembles Comments
NABBA 2002, Cincinnati, Ohio
A New Conductor, An Interesting Result
By the time NABBA 2002 ended, IBB had been through a remarkable journey. Effective September 1, 2001, Dr. Colin Holman was no longer the music director of the band. After an exhaustive search, the band hired Peter Lipari as music director. Peter brought an extensive orchestra background to the podium, and was a wonderful conductor. Peter's first time on the competition stage was on April 13, 2002 at the 20th anniversary of NABBA.
The event was hosted by the Cincinnati Brass Band. Eight bands joined IBB in the Championship Section. The test piece was Cambridge Variations, was written by none other than Philip Sparke. IBB has had a run of success playing Sparke in competition. Their choice piece was Montreaux Wind Dances by Carl Rutti. IBB played wonderfully, but so did BBC. The judges of Geoffrey Brand, James Curnow, and Frank Renton (who consistently has scored IBB lower than other judges) listened to all the bands, and for the first, and only time to date, the Championship Section ended in a tie! Both bands scored 281.4. The rules clearly state that in case of a tie in the overall score, the band with the highest test piece scores wins. Both bands also tied in the test piece score. There will be a second tie breaker added immediately for subsequent competitions: the band rated higher on the test piece by 2 of the 3 judges wins. Yet another IBB Rule! The party that night was another one to remember.
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Peter Liapri |
| Soprano Cornet | Jim Sobacki |
| Solo Cornet | Guy Clark |
| Laura Shea-Clark | |
| Amy Nelson | |
| Mike Ackerman | |
| Repiano Cornet | Mick Garrison |
| Second Cornet | Paul Hawn |
| Jim Swager | |
| Third Cornet | Bob Sven |
| Bill Hampton | |
| Flugelhorn | Mike Harloff |
| Tenor Horn | Phil Klickman |
| Stan Bouma | |
| Rick Nelson | |
| Baritone | Barb Swan |
| George Foster | |
| Tenor Trombones | Rob Barnes |
| Brian Byrne | |
| Bass Trombone | Jeff Banyots |
| Euphonium | John Meling |
| Tom Runty | |
| Eb Tuba | Andy Loeffler |
| Anthony Carmarda | |
| Ken Norman | |
| Bb Tuba | Jeff Lyons |
| Kent Beernink | |
| Percussion | Lisa-Ann Barnes |
| Tye Radcliffe | |
| Teralyn Schwab |
Listen to IBB's performance:
2002 IBB NABBA Performance:Cambridge Variations (Sparke)
2002 IBB NABBA Performance:Montreaux Wind Dances (Rutti)
NABBA 2004, Charleston, WV
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What just happened?
After taking NABBA 2003 off to compete in the British Open (addressed in the Other Competitions page), IBB, under the baton of Peter Lipari, returned to the NABBA competition stage in Charleston, WV. The competition was held on April 16-17, 2004, and was hosted by the Brass Band of the Tri-State and the Mountain State Brass Band. This was the furthest IBB had traveled for NABBA in quite some time. The test piece was Chivalry by Martin Ellerby. The band chose the test piece Blitz by Derek Bourgeois as their choice piece. There were seven bands in the Championship section, and the judging panel of James Anderson, old IBB friend Steve Sykes, and Brian Burditt placed IBB sixth out of the six bands that were scored (Atlantic was disqualified). A new band on the scene, Chicago, directed by none other than Dr. Colin Holman, and including several former IBB members, won by .6 over the Brass Band of Central Florida.
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Peter Lipari |
| Soprano Cornet | Jim Sobacki |
| Solo Cornet | Mike Ackerman |
| Jason Flaks | |
| Shane Deuel | |
| Kevin Warnke | |
| Repiano Cornet | Mick Garrison |
| Second Cornet | Paul Hawn |
| Jim Swager | |
| Third Cornet | Bob Sven |
| Dale Nichols | |
| Flugelhorn | Mike Harloff |
| Tenor Horn | Phil Klickman |
| Stan Bouma | |
| Kay Crowley | |
| Baritone | Barb Swan |
| George Foster | |
| Tenor Trombones | Rob Barnes |
| Brian Byrne | |
| Bass Trombone | John Smith |
| Euphonium | John Meling |
| Tom Runty | |
| Eb Tuba | Anthony Carmarda |
| Jeff Lyons | |
| Bb Tuba | Andy Loeffler |
| Justin Boeller | |
| Bill Kaempfe | |
| Percussion | Lisa-Ann Barnes |
| Tye Radcliffe | |
| Ann Bidwell |
Listen to IBB's performance:
2004 IBB NABBA Performance:Chivalry (Ellerby)
2004 IBB NABBA Performance:Blitz (Bourgeois)
NABBA 2006, Louisville, KY
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A Change in Directores, and Changes for NABBA
After taking 2005 off, IBB returned to the NABBA Competition stage in 2006 under the baton of Ryan Nelson. Ryan became music director in September, 2005, succeeding Peter Lipari. Ryan brought his extensive band background (from his duties at Northwestern University) to the IBB podium. The competition was held on March 31 - April 1, 2006 in downtown Louisville, KY. The weekend was hosted by the Indiana University Southeast Music Department. The test piece was Of Mountains and Men by Edward Gregson, and IBB chose Harrison's Dream, by Peter Graham, as their choice piece. IBB drew the second performance time, and the judges (Ray Farr, Ronald Waiksnoris, and Lt. Colonel David Deitrick) didn't like what was heard. After all seven bands, IBB finished seventh with a score of 269.8, a mere .2 behind Chicago Brass Band. Old nemesis Brass Band of Columbus would win with a score of 281. Fountain City, a NABBA force for the past 15 or so years, was in third, only .4 behind. This is the start of the changing of the NABBA guard.
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Ryan Nelson |
| Soprano Cornet | Jim Sobacki |
| Solo Cornet | Cindy Salata |
| Jason Flaks | |
| Karen Griffen | |
| Sandy McCurdy | |
| Mike Ackerman | |
| Repiano Cornet | Mick Garrison |
| Second Cornet | Kevin Warnke |
| Paul Hawn | |
| Jim Swager | |
| Third Cornet | Alex Katernoza |
| Bob Sven | |
| Flugelhorn | Geoff Richards |
| Tenor Horn | Dawn Crowther |
| Stan Bouma | |
| Ken Norman | |
| Baritone | Barb Swan |
| George Foster | |
| Tenor Trombones | Rob Barnes |
| Brian Byrne | |
| Bass Trombone | Jeff Banyots |
| Euphonium | Tom Runty |
| Kay Crowley | |
| Eb Tuba | Justin Boller |
| Anthony Carmarda | |
| Bb Tuba | Andy Loeffler |
| Percussion | Lisa-Ann Barnes |
| Tye Radcliffe | |
| Ann Bidwell |
Listen to IBB's performance:
2006 IBB NABBA Performance:Of Mountains and Men (Gregson)
2006 IBB NABBA Performance:Harrison's Dream (Graham)
NABBA 2007, Louisville, KY
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An Encouraging Result
NABBA returned to Louisville, KY again in 2007. The competition was again hosted by Indiana University Southeast Music Department, and it was held on April 13-14, 2007. IBB, along with six other bands entered the Championship Division. This year's test piece was Dances and Alleluias by Philip Sparke. IBB chose Journey into Freedom by Eric Ball as their choice piece. IBB drew the short straw and had to perform first. The judging panel of Bram Gregson, Stephen Bulla, and LTC Tom Palmatier certainly thought highly of IBB, placing them 3rd with a score of 282.0. The next closest band was Brass Band of Central Florida, 2.0 points behind.
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Ryan Nelson |
| Soprano Cornet | Jim Sobacki |
| Solo Cornet | Cindy Salata |
| Jason Flaks | |
| Sandy McCurdy | |
| Dan Fischer | |
| Repiano Cornet | Kevin Warnke |
| Second Cornet | Geoff Richards |
| Mick Garrison | |
| Third Cornet | Alex Katernoza |
| Bob Sven | |
| Flugelhorn | Ryan Hobbs |
| Tenor Horn | Stan Bouma |
| Dawn Crowther | |
| Melody Velleuer | |
| Baritone | Barb Burtch |
| George Foster | |
| Tenor Trombones | Rob Barnes |
| Bob Holland | |
| Bass Trombone | Jeff Banyots |
| Euphonium | Tom Runty |
| Kay Crowley | |
| Eb Tuba | Justin Boller |
| Anthony Carmarda | |
| Bb Tuba | Kevin Harriman |
| Bill Kaempfe | |
| Percussion | Lisa-Ann Barnes |
| Tye Radcliffe | |
| Dave Weibers |
Listen to IBB's performance:
2007 IBB NABBA Performance:Dances and Alleluias (Ball)
2007 IBB NABBA Performance:Journey Into Freedom (Sparke)
NABBA 2008, Louisville, KY
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Lousiville, Once Again, with a Change
NABBA, for the third consecutive year, returned to the campus of Indiana Southeast University. The historic Brown Theatre in downtown Louisville also was a performance venue. This year marked another first for NABBA: the Championship Division would break up their performances. The test piece, St. Magnus by Kenneth Downie was performed on Saturday morning. The bands would then return to the competition stage on Saturday night to perform their choice pieces. In this case, IBB chose old friend Jazz by Philip Wilby as their choice piece. Several of the overseas competitions perform this way, and NABBA followed suite. This format, for the Championship Section only, continues to this day. This change in format also helps the host band, since they don't have to arrange for a band to play the Saturday evening Gala Concert, which used to lead up to the awards ceremony. The Championship Section bands now fill that role.
The new format was met with mixed reviews. For one, the Championship Section bands don't have to conserve themselves to play a draining 30 (or so) minute performance. They can go all out for each of the split performances, and recover between. Also, performers also have to go through the associated stresses that lead up to a judged performance, not once, but twice.
There are also two performance draws for the section. One for test piece and one for choice piece. IBB drew fourth for test, and fifth for choice. Not that it mattered, as the judging panel of Stephen Bulla, James Curnow placed IBB in 6th out of 6 bands with a score of 266.9. Fountain City won with a score of 291.0
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Ryan Nelson | |
| Soprano Cornet | Jim Sobacki | |
| Solo Cornet | Cindy Salata | |
| Sandy McCurdy | ||
| Geoff Richards | ||
| Brian Ewing | ||
| Repiano Cornet | Mick Garrison | |
| Second Cornet | Alex Katernoza | |
| Kevin Warnke | ||
| Third Cornet | Bob Sven | |
| Flugelhorn | Brad Hecker | |
| Tenor Horn | Melody Velleuer | |
| Dawn Crowther | ||
| Stan Bouma | ||
| Baritone | Barb Burtch | |
| George Foster | ||
| Solo Trombone | Bob Holland | |
| Second Trombone | Rob Barnes | |
| Bass Trombone | Jeff Banyots | |
| Euphonium | Tom Runty | |
| Kay Crowley | ||
| Eb Tuba | Anthony Carmarda | |
| Kevin Harriman | ||
| Bb Tuba | Justin Boeller | |
| Bill Kaempfe | ||
| Percussion | Tye Radcliffe | |
| Chris Riggs |
Listen to IBB's performance:
2008 IBB NABBA Performance:
NABBA 2009, Louisville, KY
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Lousiville, One Last Time
For the final time, the NABBA competition returned to Louisville, KY. Indiana University Southeast was the gracious hosts yet again. The competition was held on April 3 - 4. Cyndi Salata captured third place in the High Brass Technical Solo class. IBB once again entered the Championship section, and the split performances were a bit different this year. Friday night the Championship section played the test piece, and Saturday night they performed their choice pieces. Once again, the Saturday night performances became the Gala Concert.
Five bands entered the Championship section for 2009, and the test piece was The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Derek Bourgeois. New music director Steve Squire's first trip to NABBA was a little rough. IBB drew the dreaded first position for Friday night. Saturday, they were fourth. It didn't really matter as the judging panel of Marshall, Gregson, and Holz gave IBB a score of 246.8, good for 5th place, 19.8 behind Atlantic Brass Band. Fountain City Brass Band won with a score of 283.2.
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Steve Squires | |
| Soprano Cornet | Steve Heldt | |
| Solo Cornet | Cindy Salata | |
| Lev Garber | ||
| Geoff Richards | ||
| Sandy McCurdy | ||
| Repiano Cornet | Matt Sypherd | |
| Second Cornet | Dan Fisher | |
| Alex Katernoza | ||
| Third Cornet | Carol Dickenson | |
| Mick Garrison | ||
| Flugelhorn | Jim Sobacki | |
| Tenor Horn | Melody Velleuer | |
| Brad Hecker | ||
| Doug Lim | ||
| John Catomer | ||
| Baritone | Barb Swan-Burtch | |
| George Foster | ||
| Solo Trombone | Bob Holland | |
| Second Trombone | Rob Barnes | |
| Bass Trombone | Jeff Banyots | |
| Euphonium | Tom Runty | |
| John Meling | ||
| Eb Tuba | Justin Boller | |
| Bb Tuba | Bill Kaempfe | |
| Kevin Harriman | ||
| Percussion | Tye Radcliffe | |
Listen to IBB's performance:
2009 IBB NABBA Performance:
NABBA 2011, Grand Rapids, MI
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North to Grand Rapids
After taking 2010 off, IBB returned to the NABBA competition stage in 2011 with some significant changes. Music Director Steve Squires wasn't on the podium. Due to the economic downturn of the late 2000s, IBB had to sever ties with Steve for the first half of 2011. On the podium was assistant director, Tom Runty. Also, the competition venue was changed. NABBA moved to the Devos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids, MI.
IBB entered the Championship Division, and the competition was split yet again. The Friday night test piece was On the Shoulders of Giants by Peter Graham. For Saturday, IBB chose Voyage of Discovery by Goff Richards as their choice piece. The judging panel of Alexander, Ghourlay, and Holz placed IBB finished fourth out of four bands, with a score of 255.80, while incurring a 3 point penalty. Atlantic Brass Band won with a score of 277.0.
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Tom Runty | |
| Soprano Cornet | Steve Heldt | |
| Solo Cornet | Cindy Salata | |
| Lev Garber | ||
| Jim Sobacki | ||
| Repiano Cornet | Mike Lipinski | |
| Second Cornet | Alex Katernoza | |
| Mike McKenzie | ||
| Third Cornet | Carol Dickenson | |
| Zhengkui Xie | ||
| Flugelhorn | Geoff Richards | |
| Tenor Horn | Melody Velleuer | |
| Doug Lim | ||
| John Catomer | ||
| Baritone | Mike Taylor | |
| Matt Billock | ||
| Solo Trombone | Bob Holland | |
| Second Trombone | Rob Barnes | |
| Bass Trombone | Jeff Banyots | |
| Euphonium | John Meling | |
| Barb Burtch | ||
| Eb Tuba | ||
| Bb Tuba | Bill Kaempfe | |
| Percussion | Lisa-Ann Barnes | |
| Tye Radcliffe | ||
Listen to IBB's performance:
2011 IBB NABBA Performance: On the Shoulders of Giants (Graham)
2011 IBB NABBA Performance: Voyage of Discovery (Richards)
NABBA 2013, Cincinnati, OH
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Back to Cincinnati
NABBA 2013 returned Cincinnati, OH for the first time since 2000. Steve Squires returned to the podium as well, and IBB chose to move down a section, to First. This ended a 16 year run in the Championship section, where IBB claimed six titles. The band felt the move was justified and has enjoyed a successful run to date in First Section.
First Section contained eight bands in 2013. The single performance, as opposed to the split in Championship Section, was more to IBB's liking. The test piece was Four Dances from Checkmate, by Arthur Bliss. IBB chose an old friend, The Essence of Time by Peter Graham. The competition in First Section was tough. The judging panel of DeMeij, Palmatier, and Tizzard placed IBB seventh, with a score of 240.0, two points out of fifth. Five Lakes Silver Band, with former members Tom Gillette and Kay Crowley, won with a score of 282.4.
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Steve Squires | |
| Soprano Cornet | Jim Sobacki | |
| Solo Cornet | Lev Garber | |
| Mike Ackerman | ||
| Eugen Goman | ||
| Brian Ferguson | ||
| Repiano Cornet | Mike Lipinski | |
| Second Cornet | Alex Katernoza | |
| Matt Chesner | ||
| Brigid Baker | ||
| Third Cornet | Carol Dickenson | |
| Zhengkui Xie | ||
| Jim Hatfield | ||
| Flugelhorn | Geoff Richards | |
| Tenor Horn | Melody Velleuer | |
| Erin Manning | ||
| Doug Lim | ||
| Baritone | Erik Bateman | |
| Ken Wistrom | ||
| Solo Trombone | Rob Barnes | |
| Second Trombone | Jeff Curnow | |
| Bass Trombone | Larry Pearce | |
| Euphonium | Tom Runty | |
| Diana Ponce | ||
| Eb Tuba | Sharon Pearce | |
| Randy Beschorner | ||
| Bb Tuba | Bill Kaempfe | |
| Percussion | Lisa-Ann Barnes | |
| Steve Foggin | ||
2013 IBB NABBA Performance: The Essence of Time (Graham)
2013 IBB NABBA Performance: Four Dances from Checkmate (Bliss)
NABBA 2014, Grand Rapids, MI
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An Encouraging Placement
NABBA returned to the Devos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids for the final time in 2014. With 25 bands entered over six sections, this was the most attended NABBA to date.
Six bands entered the First Section, and the test piece for this section was Connotations by Edward Gregson. IBB chose another Philip Sparke piece, Talis Variations as their choice piece. IBB had time to play an overture, Vienna Philharmonic Fanfare, by William Himes. The judging panel was kind to IBB, placing them third with a score of 95.4, only .6 out of second, and 2.0 out of first!
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Steve Squires | |
| Soprano Cornet | Jim Sobacki | |
| Solo Cornet | Mark Ponzo | |
| Lev Garber | ||
| Mike Ackerman | ||
| Brian Ferguson | ||
| Repiano Cornet | Mike Lipinski | |
| Second Cornet | Alex Katernoza | |
| Steve Ware | ||
| Matt Billock | ||
| Third Cornet | Carol Dickenson | |
| Zhengkui Xie | ||
| Flugelhorn | Geoff Richards | |
| Tenor Horn | Melody Velleuer | |
| John Reschke | ||
| Doug Lim | ||
| Baritone | Erik Bateman | |
| Ken Wistrom | ||
| Solo Trombone | Rob Barnes | |
| Second Trombone | Jeff Slepak | |
| Bass Trombone | Larry Pearce | |
| Euphonium | Tom Runty | |
| Diana Ponce | ||
| Matt Kaempfe | ||
| Eb Tuba | Sharon Pearce | |
| Randy Beschorner | ||
| Bb Tuba | Bill Kaempfe | |
| David Grayson | ||
| Mark Hengesh | ||
| Percussion | Joe Beribak | |
| Marissa Walczak | ||
| Brian Davis | ||
2014 IBB NABBA Performance: Vienna Philarmonic Fanfare (Himes)
2014 IBB NABBA Performance: Tallis Variations (Sparke)
2014 IBB NABBA Performance: Connotations (Gregson)
NABBA 2015, Fort Wayne, IN
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Fort Wayne, here we come!
NABBA began a six-year run at the beautiful Embassy Theater in Fort Wayne, IN. Situated directly across the street, and connected by a sky bridge, from the contest hotel, this became an excellent site to host the competition. The overall competition grew during this six-year run, and the site was no doubt a significant aid in the growth. Melody Velleuer and Doug Lim entered the solo competition.
IBB drew position 2 out of 8. The test piece was Brass Triumphant by Gareth Wood. IBB chose Paganini Variations by Philip Wilby as their choice piece. The judging panel of Bill Himes, Stephen Bulla, and Ron Holz gave IBB an overall score of 266.8, good for fourth place, 5.5 points out of third. Weston Silver Band won with a score of 287.2.
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Steve Squires | |
| Soprano Cornet | Michael Swope | |
| Solo Cornet | Lev Garber | |
| Geoff Richards | ||
| Eugen Goman | ||
| Jim Sobacki | ||
| Repiano Cornet | Mike Ackerman | |
| Second Cornet | Bob Jones | |
| Steve Ware | ||
| Third Cornet | Carol Dickenson | |
| Zhengkui Xie | ||
| Flugelhorn | Brian Ferguson | |
| Tenor Horn | Melody Velleuer | |
| Matt Billock | ||
| John Reschke | ||
| Doug Lim | ||
| Baritone | Erik Bateman | |
| Ken Wistrom | ||
| Solo Trombone | Rob Barnes | |
| Second Trombone | Maddi Srajer | |
| Bass Trombone | Larry Pearce | |
| Euphonium | Tom Runty | |
| Diana Ponce | ||
| Matt Kaempfe | ||
| Eb Tuba | Sharon Pearce | |
| Randy Beschorner | ||
| Bb Tuba | Bill Kaempfe | |
| Andy Loeffler | ||
| Percussion | Joe Beribak | |
| Steve Foggin | ||
| Brian Davis | ||
2015 IBB NABBA Performance: Brass Triumphant (Wood)
2015 IBB NABBA Performance: Paganini Variations (Wilby)
NABBA 2016, Fort Wayne, IN
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Not A Good Day
NABBA returned to Fort Wayne in 2016, over the weekend of April 1-2. Historic Embassy Theatre once again hosted the bands. On Friday, the following members entered the solo competition: Monica Benson, Eugen Goman, Melody Velleuer, Rob Barnes, Doug Lim, and Jim Sobacki.
This year, First Section, of which IBB had entered, played in a conference room, not the main theatre, due to a record 33 bands entered. IBB's performance showed. The test piece was The Alchymist's Journal by Kenneth Hesketh. IBB's choice pieces were by their arranger in residence, Andrew Wainwright. They performed both Illuminate and Suite from Stabat Mater. IBB finished seventh out of nine bands with a score of 268.6. Pikes Peak Brass Band won the section with a score of 287.2
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Steve Squires | |
| Soprano Cornet | Jim Sobacki | |
| Solo Cornet | Lev Garber | |
| Brian Ferguson | ||
| Monica Benson | ||
| Mike Lipinski | ||
| Repiano Cornet | Mike Ackerman | |
| Second Cornet | Bob Jones | |
| Glenn Morimoto | ||
| Third Cornet | Eugen Goman | |
| Carol Dickensone | ||
| Flugelhorn | Geoff Richards | |
| Tenor Horn | Melody Velleuer | |
| John Reschke | ||
| Doug Lim | ||
| Baritone | Mike Taylor | |
| Erik Bateman | ||
| Ken Wistrom | ||
| Solo Trombone | Rob Barnes | |
| Second Trombone | Maddi Srajer | |
| Bass Trombone | Larry Pearce | |
| Euphonium | Tom Runty | |
| Diana Ponce | ||
| Matt Kaempfe | ||
| Eb Tuba | Sharon Pearce | |
| Randy Beschorner | ||
| Mark Weinand | ||
| Bb Tuba | Bill Kaempfe | |
| Andy Loeffler | ||
| Percussion | Brian Davis | |
| Lisa-Ann Barnes | ||
| Jamie Hockensmith | ||
| Jamie Giraldo | ||
| Ken Wistrom | ||
2016 IBB NABBA Performance: Illuminate (Wainwright)
2016 IBB NABBA Performance: Alchymist's Journnal (Hesketh)
2016 IBB NABBA Performance: Suite from Stabat Mater (Wainwright)
NABBA 2017, Fort Wayne, IN
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Middle of the Pack
By now, most members of IBB could put their car on autopilot to make the trip to Ft. Wayne. But no one was complaining about the relatively close drive. Every year, NABBA keeps growing. This year, there were again 33 total bands in competition, including a record ten in First Section! On Friday, the following members entered the solo competition: Melody Velleuer, Doug Lim, and Eugen Goman. Bottom Bucket Brass, composed of members of IBB, entered the 10 Piece Ensemble contest.
NABBA had figured out its logistics, and First Section was once again performing in the historic Embassy Theatre. The test piece was Voyage to Worlds Unknown by Peter Graham. IBB chose Fragile Oasis by Peter Meacham as their choice piece. IBB pulled the fourth place on competition order, and the judging panel of Peter Graham, Stephen Bulla, and Ron Holz gave the band an overall score of 272.0, good for sixth place, .2 out of fifth place. Weston Silver Band won with a score of 295.0
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Steve Squires | |
| Soprano Cornet | Jim Sobacki | |
| Solo Cornet | Lev Garber | |
| Mike Lipinski | ||
| Mike Ackerman | ||
| DJ Alstadt | ||
| Repiano Cornet | Geoff Richards | |
| Second Cornet | Eugen Goman | |
| Bob Jones | ||
| Third Cornet | Carol Dickenson | |
| Monica Benson | ||
| Flugelhorn | Brian Ferguson | |
| Tenor Horn | Melody Velleuer | |
| Greg Goeden | ||
| Doug Lim | ||
| Baritone | Mike Taylor | |
| Erik Bateman | ||
| Ken Wistrom | ||
| Solo Trombone | Rob Barnes | |
| Second Trombone | Maddi Srajer | |
| Bass Trombone | Larry Pearce | |
| Euphonium | Tom Runty | |
| Diana Ponce | ||
| Matt Kaempfe | ||
| Eb Tuba | Mark Weinand | |
| Sharon Pearce | ||
| Bb Tuba | Bill Kaempfe | |
| Andy Loeffler | ||
| Percussion | Jami Hockensmith | |
| Alyssa Schwark | ||
| JW | ||
| Steve Foggin | ||
NABBA 2018, Fort Wayne, IN
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Results Trending Upward
Springtime in Fort Wayne is becoming a trend for NABBA bands, and this is the place to be for brass band musicians. This year, a record 39 bands entered, covering six sections. First Section had a record 13 bands entered! The following members entered the solo competition on Friday: Jami Hockensmith, Brian Ferguson, Eugen Goman, Larry Pearce, Maddi Srajer, Mark Weinand, Mike Taylor, Doug Lim, Jim Sobacki, Melody Velleuer, Glenn Morimoto, and Karen Griffin. And IBB's own 10-piece ensemble, Bottom Bucket Brass, finished third in the 10 Piece Ensemble competition.
The Test Piece was Diversions on a Bass Theme by George Lloyd. IBB chose another old favorite, Chivalry, by Martin Ellerby. IBB played well, and the judging panel gave them a score of 2118.0, good for fifth place. San Antonio Brass Band, new to the NABBA competition arena, won with a score of 294.0
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Steve Squires | |
| Soprano Cornet | Brian Ferguson | |
| Solo Cornet | Lev Garber | |
| Jim Sobacki | ||
| Mike Ackerman | ||
| Karen Griffin | ||
| Repiano Cornet | Eugen Goman | |
| Second Cornet | Bob Jones/Geoff Richards | |
| Glenn Morimoto | ||
| Third Cornet | Alex Katernoza | |
| Adrian Crisan | ||
| Carol Dickenson | ||
| Flugelhorn | Mike Lipinski | |
| Tenor Horn | Melody Velleuer | |
| Matt Billock | ||
| John Reschke | ||
| Doug Lim | ||
| Baritone | Erik Bateman | |
| Ken Wistrom | ||
| Matt Kaempfe | ||
| Tenor Trombones | Rob Barnes | |
| Maddi Srajer | ||
| Bass Trombone | Larry Pearce | |
| Euphonium | Tom Runty | |
| Mike Taylor | ||
| Eb Tuba | Mark Weinand | |
| Sharon Pearce | ||
| Bb Tuba | Andy Loeffler | |
| Bill Kaempfe | ||
| Percussion | Jamie Hockensmith | |
| Alyssa Schwark | ||
| Stephen Lynerd | ||
2018 IBB NABBA Performance: Diversions on a Bass Theme (LLoyd)
2018 IBB NABBA Performance: Chivalary (Ellerby)
NABBA 2019, Fort Wayne, IN
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Close, But yet so Far...
Unbeknownst to all, NABBA returned to Fort Wayne for the final time over the weekend of April 5 - 7, 2019. The number of bands, and the solo and ensemble contest, continued to rise. This year, a record 36 bands, including 6 youth bands, came to town to play for the judges.
IBB was successful in the Friday solo and ensemble contest. IBB's 10-piece ensemble, Bottom Bucket Brass finished first in the 10-Piece Ensemble competition. And Tom Runty finished first in the Senior Baritone/Euphonium Slow Melody class.
The First Section had eight bands play the test piece, Another World's Hell, by Simon Dobson. IBB chose another Philip Sparke favorite, Harmony Music. IBB played wonderfully and ended second with a score of 277.6, .4 behind winner Dublin Silver. IBB had a timing penalty that would've placed them in first. By far, this was the band's best finish in years.
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Steve Squires | |
| Soprano Cornet | Lev Garber | |
| Solo Cornet | Brian Ferguson | |
| Sam Litt | ||
| Ry Muehling | ||
| Eugen Goman | ||
| Repiano Cornet | Jim Sobacki | |
| Second Cornet | Mike Lipinski | |
| Alex Katernoza | ||
| Third Cornet | Kim McShane | |
| Dana Young | ||
| Flugelhorn | Karen Griffin | |
| Tenor Horn | Melody Velleuer | |
| Doug Lim | ||
| Carol Dickenson | ||
| Chris Tutza | ||
| Baritone | Randy Beschorner | |
| Erik Bateman | ||
| Matt Kaempfe | ||
| Tenor Trombones | Rob Barnes | |
| Maddi Srajer | ||
| Peter Deal | ||
| Bass Trombone | Jeff Banyots | |
| Euphonium | Tom Runty | |
| Mike Taylor | ||
| Eb Tuba | Terell Pierce | |
| Andy Rollins | ||
| Bb Tuba | Andy Loeffler | |
| Bill Kaempfe | ||
| Percussion | Alyssa Schwark | |
| Lisa-Ann Barnes | ||
| John Mark Clevenger | ||
| Melanie Eaton | ||
2019 IBB NABBA Performance: Another World's Hell (Dobson)
2019 IBB NABBA Performance: Harmony Music (Sparke)
NABBA 2022, Huntsville, AL
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Good to be back at NABBA
After the longest NABBA break in IBB's rich history, due to the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, IBB returned to the competition stage, along with 29 other bands in 8 sections. This year, the competition was held at the beautiful Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL on April 29 - 30. There were still some Covid restrictions during this time. Bands had to show proof of vaccination, and contest site was large enough to allow the bands to socially distance themselves. This helped the competition run quite smoothly.
On Friday, Karen Griffin (cornet), Mike Taylor (euphonium), Doug Lim (tenor horn), and Melody Velleuer (tenor horn) entered the solo competition, with Karen finishing second in her class, Senior High Brass Slow Melody.
There were seven bands entered in Saturday's First Section. IBB drew the third position. The test piece was Facets of the Heart by Tom Davoren. IBB's choice piece had some history with the band. They chose Elgar Variations by Martin Ellerby, mostly because it was the choice piece they were preparing upon the abrupt shut down of IBB, and virtually every thing else, in March, 2020, due to the outbreak of Covid-19. IBB performed quite well, but the judges didn't quite agree, placing them 7th out of 7.
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Steve Squires | |
| Soprano Cornet | Lev Garber | |
| Solo Cornet | Brian Ferguson | |
| Geoff Richards | ||
| Ry Muehling | ||
| Mike Ackerman | ||
| Repiano Cornet | Karen Griffin | |
| Second Cornet | Jim Sobacki | |
| Catherine Kapocius | ||
| Third Cornet | Mike Lipinski | |
| Dana Young | ||
| Flugelhorn | Kim Muehling | |
| Tenor Horn | Melody Velleuer | |
| Carol Dickenson | ||
| Doug Lim | ||
| Baritone | Paul Eakley | |
| Matt Kaempfe | ||
| Solo Trombone | Maddi Srajer | |
| Second Trombone | Chris Tutza | |
| Bass Trombone | Ryan Ringnalda | |
| Euphonium | Mike Taylor | |
| Erik Bateman | ||
| Eb Tuba | Rob Barnes | |
| Andy Rollins | ||
| Bb Tuba | Daniel Bethel | |
| Bill Kaempfe | ||
| Percussion | Alyssa Schwark | |
| Lisa-Ann Barnes | ||
| Eric Johnson | ||
| Eric Henderson | ||
2022 IBB NABBA Performance: Facets of the Heart (Davoren)
2022 IBB NABBA Performance: Elgar Variations (Ellerby)
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NABBA 2023, Huntsville, AL
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Sweet Home, Alabama
IBB headed south again for NABBA 2023. The competiton was once again held an the beautiful Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL on April 21 - 22. Covid was still in play, as IBB president Bill Kaempfe tested positive the day before the band was supposed to leave.
On Friday, Karen Griffin (cornet), Mike Taylor (euphonium), and Rob Barnes (trombone), entered the solo competition, with Karen finishing first in her class, Senior High Brass Slow Melody.
There was a change for First (and Second) Section bands this year. The bands were split, with the Test Piece being performed Friday. On Saturday, the bands performed their choice pieces. There were nine bands entered in First Section. For Friday, IBB drew the fourth position. The test piece was "The Year of the Dragon" by Philip Sparke. IBB played well, or thought they did. The finished 9th in that portion. On Saturday, IBB drew the dreaded first position, and they chose to play another Sparke piece, Music of the Spheres. To quote judge Jessica Sneeringer "You just played the snot out of Music of the Spheres!" All three judges apparently agreed, because IBB finished second in the Choice Piece category. Overall, they finished sixth, six points behind winner, Princeton Brass Band.
The band came home with a lovely parting gift, about eight additional cases of Covid-19.
The band's performance and full score breakdown is below.
The band consisted of the following performers:
| Conductor | Steve Squires | |
| Soprano Cornet | Lev Garber | |
| Solo Cornet | Brian Ferguson | |
| Ry Muehling | ||
| Mike Lipinski | ||
| Karen Griffin | ||
| Alyson Bauman | ||
| Repiano Cornet | Mike Ackerman | |
| Second Cornet | Jim Sobacki | |
| Catherine Kapocius | ||
| Third Cornet | Eugen Goman | |
| Dana Antosz | ||
| Flugelhorn | Kim Muehling | |
| Tenor Horn | Melody Velleuer | |
| Chris Tutza | ||
| Doug Lim | ||
| Carol Dickenson | ||
| Baritone | Erik Bateman | |
| Paul Eakley | ||
| Solo Trombone | Maddi Srajer | |
| Second Trombone | Ed Gadberry | |
| Bass Trombone | Armando Mejia | |
| Euphonium | Mike Taylor | |
| Sara Ferguson | ||
| Eb Tuba | Rob Barnes | |
| Andy Rollins | ||
| Bb Tuba | Daniel Bethel | |
| Bill Kaempfe | ||
| Percussion | Alyssa Schwark | |
| Alfred Fajardo | ||
| Alan Frye | ||
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