Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About NABBA... But Were Afraid to Ask

Since MCBB has been to the North American Championships - commonly referred to as NABBA - as many times as it has, it is sometimes difficult to remember that not everyone knows what to expect. That is the purpose of this page, to try an answer some of the questions that may come up.

What is NABBA?

The North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) has been sponsoring the North American Brass Band Championships since 1982 in locations all over the eastern half of the United States. These competitions run Friday and Saturday and are based on the British Championship model with three judges who sit behind a curtain so they do not know what bands are performing. Bands enter into one of several "Sections" depending on their skill level. The highest level is Championship, followed by First, Second, and Third Sections. There is also an Open Section which has fewer rules and no test piece. Each band plays a "Test Piece" and then another piece of their own choice. The test piece counts for 60% of the final score.

In addition to the band competition, there is a Solo and Ensemble competition that takes place the day before the band's compete.

What is the normal schedule for the weekend?

FRIDAY

• In general, MCBB tries to find a location for one final rehearsal on Friday evening near the competiton location. After the rehearsal there is a location found for the band and any friends of the the band attending to have dinner. This dinner is a purely social event and is optional.
• Also happening on Friday is the Solo and Ensemble competition during the day and the Championship Section Test Piece performances in the evening. Participation in the S&E competition is up to the individual performer.

SATURDAY

• This is band competition day. We will have received our warm up and performance times about a month prior to the Championships. There will be a secure location for us to leave our cases, and we will meet our guide at that location. At the proper time we will be taken to warm up and then to the performance stage.
• Depending on the performance time we have drawn, you are free to hear other bands perform and to visit the vendor displays.
• After we have performed, the rest of the time is your own. Some people choose to depart for home, but most stay for the rest of the day on Saturday.
• In the evening the Championship Section bnds play their selected pieces. At the end of that program the S&E and band competition winners are announced.

How is transportation and housing handled?

These are up to you. It will depend somewhat on the competition location and what time we have drawn. Some people will drive in on Saturday and leave after we perform if the venue is close enough. Car pooling and sharing rooms can be arranged by talking to others in the band.

Where will the Chamionships be held?

We know that we will be in Huntsville, Alabama for the next three years. The dates will be:

• 29-30 April, 2022
• 21-22 April, 2023
• 5-6 April, 2024

You can learn more about NABBA by visiting their web site at www.nabba.org.