The executive board of the US Open Brass Band Championships announces the results of the draw for position for this year’s contest to be held on November 7 at the Norris Center in St. Charles, IL The order of performance will be:

1. Ohio Brass Band
2. Madison Brass Band
3. Eastern Iowa Brass Band
4. Prairie Brass Band
5. Milwaukee Festival Brass
6. Weston Silver Band of Toronto
7. Brass Band of Central Florida
8. Fountain City Brass Band
9. Motor City Brass Band

The bands will be adjudicated by an experienced panel of judges, using the Open’s system of ranking and rating every band, first through last, utilizing a criteria-based reference system for both the music and the entertainment qualities.
This year’s judging panel will be headed by noted conductor and adjudicator John Phillips from Toronto, Ontario. He’ll be joined by Bill Himes, conductor of the Chicago Staff Band of the Salvation Army and internationally renowned composer. Rounding out the group will be Dr. John Bell, from Southern Illinois University.

All three adjudicators have extensive brass band experience as well as a rich background and training in adjudication techniques. Says Clark Niermeyer, president of the US Open,

“:We are thrilled to have this caliber of adjudication available for the bands, given that this year is both the largest field of bands and all indication point to the most competitive year ever.”

For further information, including how to secure tickets to the event and the awards banquet, please see www.usopenbrass.org