The Brass Band of Columbus (BBC) sponsored The First Annual BBC Young Artist Competition on Sunday, April 13, 2008. Students from Columbus and the surrounding area performed a solo of their choosing for a panel of three prominent adjudicators: Dr. Richard Burkart, retired Professor of Trumpet from Ohio State; Dr. Jon Woods, Director of the OSU Marching Band and Professor of Music Education; and James Akins, Assistant Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at OSU and Principal Tuba of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

The adjudicators selected Julia Ware, a junior at Northridge High School, as the winner. Julia performed Morceau Symphonique by Guilmant on euphonium. She received a check for $500 and the opportunity to play a solo with the Brass Band of Columbus at an upcoming concert. Julia is a member of The All-Star Brass & Percussion.

Second place was awarded to Josh Jameson, a senior at Dublin Jerome High School. Josh performed the Sonata in A Minor by Marcello on trombone and received a check for $250. Third place went to Mark Guseman, a junior trumpet player from Westerville Central High School. He received a check for $100 for his performance of Adagio and Allegro from Sonata in E by Handel.

The BBC wishes to thank Colonial Music, Music and Arts, Conn-Selmer, Inc. and the Northwest Christian Church for their generous support of this competition. BBC Director Tim Jameson and other members of the BBC assisted in organizing this very important part of its educational outreach program.