Both Fountain City’s Nate Gay (2008 U.S. Open Best featured brass soloist) and Ohio’s Tony Philipp (2008 U.S. Open Best Cornet) were thrilled with their prizes at this year’s U.S. Open Brass Band Championship. Both will receive new, custom engraved instruments courtesy of Besson/Buffet Crampon.

The Best cornet prize in it’s third year and Tony was almost beside himself at winning the award. “My first thoughts were of humility knowing how hard previous bands and soloists have prepared. These awards are really a testament to their efforts in raising the bar over the years."

It is a huge step in the direction of making the solo competition more legitimate and highly sought after.Nate Gay, Fountain City Brass Band

He continues, "I am very grateful to Clark Niermeyer and the rest of the U.S. Open organizers who put together a very impressive list of sponsors, and to Buffet Crampon for sponsoring these much appreciated awards.”

About the new prize added to this year’s contest, Nate said, “Because Besson is providing an instrument for the solo competition, I think the U.S. Open is going to see a rapid increase in the quality of those who compete. The opportunity to be awarded a professional instrument for performing a solo will certainly raise the bar for everyone. It is a huge step in the direction of making the solo competition more legitimate and highly sought after. I am excited to see what happens in the coming years.”

It will certainly be interesting to see how many tuba solos are entered into next year's contest.