BBC News!
Stay informed about the BBC - Breaking News to its Rich Past
Breaking News!...
Here is the latest and greatest BBC news:
03-Apr-2010
Just hours ago, the BBC participated in a well attended Ohio Brass Arts Festival at OSU Weigel Hall.
- See related story in OSU Lantern Digital Edition
Under the direction of renown composer, conductor and long-time BBC friend James Curnow, the BBC turned out a truly excellent performance (musically and technically). Having only one rehearsal with Mr. Curnow the morning of the event, the strong connection between Mr. Curnow and the BBC musicians was in evidence to those in the audience. Throughout the performances,the ensemble was strong as well as all solos, and the BBC demonstrated a wide range of musicality in handling the most delicate music passages.
The program began with a rousing opening piece Celebration by Leslie Condon. Next, Concertmaster Dan King provided a virtuoso performance of Concertpiece for Cornet by James Curnow - a testament to not only Mr. King's extraordinary talent, but also something special that transcended the performance through years of friendship and mutual respect. Interim music director, cornetist Brian Stevens, took the podium to conduct Call of the Cossacks - Procession of the Tartars by Peter Graham.
The program closed with two James Curnow compositions (enhanced by insightful composer commentary): Pastorale - a beautiful new work, yet unpublished, and a reprise of The Ellacombe Chronicles, commissioned by the BBC on the occasion of its 25th Anniversary Gala Celebration. The latter work is gaining popularity in Brass Band Circles which is of tremendous satisfaction to the BBC for its leadership in securing a new major work.
14-Mar-2010
- The BBC is thrilled that renown composer / conductor James Curnow will be Guest Conductor for the BBC OBAF Performance on April 3, 2010. Mr. Curnow will again conduct the BBC in a performance of The Ellacombe Chronicles- the major new work commissioned by the BBC for our Silver Gala in April 2009.
Read Program Notes about The Ellacombe Chronicles [pdf]
The program slated is as follows:
Celebration
Leslie Condon
Concertpiece for Cornet, featuring Dan King BBC Concertmaster as Soloist
James Curnow
Call of the Cossacks - Procession of the Tartars
Peter Graham
Pastorale
James Curnow
The Ellacombe Chronicles
James Curnow
14-Mar-10
- Brian Stevens has been named BBC Interim Music Director effective immediately. Mr. Stevens is presently Director of Bands at Dublin Jerome High School and is a well recognized leader within the OMEA. A former long time member of the BBC cornet section, Mr. Stevens was also previously a BBC Assistant Director and is well versed with the genre and unique literature. The BBC membership looks forward to working with an old friend and former colleague during this interim period while a search is underway for our new Music Director.
13-Mar-2010
- Tim Jameson ends BBC career with the 24th Annual God & Country Concert and receives a plaque for his devoted 5 years of service to the BBC as its Music Director.
23-Feb-2010
- The Salvation Army God & Country Concert is a Columbus tradition in its 24th year. The BBC
will be joined this year by the Montclair Citadel Band from Montclair, N.J. under the direction of Charles
Baker. The Montclair Citadel Band is recognized as one of the Salvation Army’s finest brass bands and has
delighted audiences in Canada, Bermuda, England and throughout the United States. The traditional dual
concert will be held Saturday, March 13 at 7 PM in Weigel Hall on the Ohio State University campus.
Peter Woodruff is the winner of the 2010 BBC Young Artist Competition. More information will be posted soon. This young musician will join the BBC as soloist for the BBC Concert on Tuesday, 14-Jun-2010 at Trinity Lutheran Seminary. Congratulations to this outstanding talent!
01-Oct-2010
- The BBC was booked 2 years ago to perform as part of the Zanesville Concert Association series:
01-Nov-09 @ 3:00 pm & 02-Nov-09 @ 10:00 am at the Seacrest Auditorium
These are non-public subscription-only concerts that require a membership purchase directly through the Zanesville Concert Association to attend. The BBC has no control over ticket sales and cannot address specific questions about availability except to refer those interested in attending to:
Post Concert Photos at the Zanesville Time Recorder:
01-Sep-2010
- "No Passport Required", is the theme for the Brass Band of Columbus’ 2009 fall concert series and the beginning of the 26th year of existence for the award winning local volunteer group. After a full summer outdoor concert season rehearsals began anew on September 1 with two new members, Kevin Wallick & Don Kason, and with a folder of new music to learn.
It may no longer be "breaking," but it's still news and important to the BBC...
We're proud of where we're going, but also of where we've been... Learn more about our past by perusing our older news items:
To better understand where we're going, it is often interesting to look back to see where we've been.
The BBC celebrated the more relaxed summer with several concerts to include the annual Park of Roses in June, our Independence Celebration at Dublin Scioto Park Series, Lancaster Campground, and two amazing concerts at the Dublin Irish Festival. Read more about these in the October newsletter.
Jules J. Duga was presented with the Founder's Award and BBC emeritus membership at the Silver Celebration Gala. Jules was a Charter Member of the BBC, and played with the band for 23 years.
While a physicist by training with a Ph.D. and illustrious career, Jules has also had a long career in music, having been principal tubist with the Wheeling (WV) and Columbus (OH) Symphony Orchestras. He was “first call” tubist, playing for all major music events in both communities, appearing with the travelling companies of The Sound of Music, Oklahoma, Showboat, South Pacific, The King and I, and other musicals, and with the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus. He was instructor in tuba at Capital University Conservatory of Music.
The Silver Celebration Gala Concert was held at the McCoy Center for the Performing Arts in New Albany. The evening marked the celebration of 25 years of the BBC to include recognizing our Charter Members, Director Emeritus Dr. Paul Droste, former Assistant Director Les Susi, and our alumni who re-joined to play Salvation is Created . The evening also featured the World Premier of The Ellacombe Chronicles - a work commission for the occasion by renown composer James Curnow. Mr. Curnow was not only present, but also conducted. A Silent Auction kicked off a new era in our efforts to sustain our non profit, all volunteer organization with a fun form of fundraising.
Read more about the Gala in our June newsletter.
Download the digital version of our Gala Program - especially if you were unable to attend!
CONGRATULATIONS! With a field of many talented young musicians who participated in the 2009 Young Artist Competition, our adjudicators made the following awards:
- Bronze Medallist: David Fletcher ($100 prize)
- Silver Medallist: Maximillian McNutt ($250 prize)
- Gold Medallist: Grant Jameson ($500 prize, solo engagement with BBC)
The 2009 Young Artist Competition will take place on Sunday 15-Feb-09 at Northwest Christian Church. As part of the BBC Educational Outreach (BBCEO) Program, this is our second competition. The deadline for application has been extended to 07-Feb-09,
The Brass Band of Columbus educational outreach
(BBCEO) program exists to:
1. advocate the importance of music education in the schools.
2. foster a deep appreciation for quality music making in a live setting.
3. promote music as a lifetime experience.
We are excited that adjudicators for this event will be:
- Tom Battenberg, retired professor of trumpet at OSU;
- Jon Waters, OSUMB Assistant Director and School of Music faculty member;
- Thomas Zugger, professor of trombone at Capital University.
Get complete information to include our brochure and application form via our Educational Outreach link.
Breaking News!
Øystein Baadsvik, Internationally Renown Tuba Soloist
will join the BBC on February 2, 2009!
We are so very excited to announce that Øystein Baadsvik will join the BBC in concert on February 2, 2009. Presently, this is planned as a joint concert at 7:00pm with the New Albany High School Band as part of the BBCEO Shared Concert Series.
The concert will be held at the fabulous new McCoy Center for the Arts in New Albany, and we are most excited to take the stage at this venue. The New Albany High School Band will play a small set, and then the BBC will be joined on the stage with Mr. Baadsvik. Additional details will be forthcoming as they are finalized. Look for more Breaking News as we move forward with our Silver Celebration!
10-Dec-2008
The BBC Silver Celebration continues
with Guest Artist
Aaron VanderWeele, International Euphonium Player of the Year Award in 2007, joins the BBC at two concerts in December, 2008.
Download a Flyer.View details about these concerts...
22-October-2008
The Hannaford Street Brass Festival is hosted by the famed Hannaford Silver Street Brass Band in Toronto each spring. BBC members attended last year and were very impressed by the excellence presented in the event organization.
The BBC has been invited to present an Exhibition Performance in April 2009.During our Silver Celebration, it seems a fitting event. While it would be very fun to compete, the Festival which imposes a first year rule that requires an exhibition performance for eligibility. Those bands who are eligible, compete in either Adult or Youth Class for the the prized Hannaford Cup. Look for more information as it becomes available.
Dr. Eric Aho Named BBC Assistant Director
The Brass Band of Columbus is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Eric Aho as their Assistant Director. He is a charter member of the BBC, and many know him as the Principal Euphonium of the band. Most notable is his contribution to the American Brass Band traditions as a pioneer and champion of youth brass bands. He is the Founder and Director of the internationally known All-Star Brass Bands, the most accomplished and awarded youth brass band organization in North America. The All-Star Brass and Percussion (ASBP), the senior band of the organization was selected to perform at the 2008 Ohio Music Education Association Professional Development Conference, and subsequently were invited to the 2008 Hannaford Street Brass Festival in Toronto. The ASBP plans to accept an invitation to play at Carnegie Hall in April 2009 as part of the New York Wind Festival. The All- Star Bands have performed and toured extensively furthering the notoriety and prestige of the Columbus Brass Band Reputation.
Hitting a silver anniversary is always special, and reaching that milestone for the BBC is no exception! Twenty-five years ago, Dr. Paul Droste had a vision and made it a reality. The BBC will make this a special year - a Silver Celebration.
Several “charter” members (1984) of BBC are beginning their 25th year of performing with the Brass Band of Columbus.
They are:
- Eric Aho
- Pete Baker
- Ray Castle
- David Eaton
- Lisa Galvin
- Jeff Groff
- Jeff Keller
- Dan King
- Gary Tirey
- George Zonders
The BBC performed at the 2008 Dublin Irish Festival for the first time to incredibly receptive crowds. The Dublin Irish Festival, the second largest of its kind in the country, again brought record crowds to Dublin and a new opportunity for the Brass Band of Columbus. A rousing brass band arrangement of "Riverdance" music was a highlight of each of our two performances - for audience and members alike. And we're going back next year for two shows!
Strike Up The (Brass) Band is the BBC's most recent recording - released in May 2008.
Audio clips are coming soon
- Download Order Form and mail with your payment today as directed to secure your copy OR visit our Merchandise Table at an upcoming concert.
The Brass Band of Columbus performed Sunday, July 6th, at Scioto Park in Dublin. This was the BBC's third straight year to perform in Dublin's "Sundays at Scioto" Series, and as in previous years, it proved to be one of our most-popular engagements of the summer. It is a lovely setting, and very well attended.
Scioto Park is located on Riverside Drive, North of 161 and South of Hard Rd. A lovely summer evening provided a comfortable setting for attendees who brought their lawn chairs, blankets and picnics to listen to a program of crowd pleasers and selections that introduced many to brass band repertoire for the first time.
This was a wonderful way to wrap up the Independence Day weekend with some great music and promote our upcoming appearance at the Dublin Irish Festival just around the corner.
10-July-2008
BBC Young Artist Competition |
This weekend marks the inaugural BBC Young Artist Competition. Young Brass players will be competing for the opportunity to solo with the Brass Band of Columbus at a future concert. Additionally, the event is receiving financial support from Colonial Music/Music and Arts and Conn-Selmer Corporation. This competition will be adjudicated by three outside brass teachers from The Ohio State University and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and the event will be open to the public. The BBC is expanding its newly-established Educational Outreach Program with this event, school concerts and clinics. 11-Apr-2008 |
BBC wins over the audience at NABBA |
At the recent North American Brass Band Championships, the Brass Band of Columbus finished third, but won over the audience with its performance of Extreme Makeover. Music Director, Tim Jameson said , "We had reached out and connected with the audience....the entire band left the stage feeling that we had done what we set out to do. It was an experience that may never be equaled for most of us." BBC will be performing Extreme Makeover a few more times before putting it back in the library and we hope to share that magic with you. The band would also like to salute the Fountain City Brass Band who won the NABBA Championships with two fantastic performances of their own. 2-Apr-2008 |
BBC ends 2007 with CBJ |
The BBC's final performance of 2007 was on New Year's Eve at the Blue jackets hockey game. Approximately 20 members of the Brass Band of Columbus performed before the game and during the 1st interval. 31-Dec-2007 |
New Recording featuring the BBC is released |
The Brass Band of Columbus is featured on the new CD "Baritones to the Fore." The CD features three soloists from the UK as well as the BBC's own Diana Herak. The three UK soloist Katrina Marzella, Helen Tyler and Rob Richardson visited the band from Nov 2006 - May 2007. This is a groundbreaking CD as never before has there there been a solo CD featuring the baritone. Look for the CD to be available soon at BBC concerts and on the BBC web site. 30-Dec-2007 |
Dan King premieres new cornet solo |
Dan King, principal cornet of the BBC, premiered a new cornet solo entitled "The Big Apple" at this year's Ohio Brass Arts Festival. The solo, although technically very challenging, was once again played with smoothness and ease as Dan often does so well. The solo was written by Ben Tubb, a composition and tenor horn student at the Royal Northern College of Music, who Dan had met on one of his trips to the UK. A clip of the recording can be heard as part of the 4BarsRest podcast from the brass festival. 24-Apr-2007 |
BBC's Big WeekendMarch 31st - April 1st
|
The weekend of March 31st - April 1st will mark the 22nd God and Country Concert and the First Ohio Brass Arts Festival. The BBC will be joined by some special guest that weekend including the Pendel Brass and Singers (NJ) on both Saturday and Sunday and baritone virtuoso Helen Tyler on Sunday at the Brass Festival. Tickets are FREE and available at the door or in advance from the Salvation Army. The God & Country concert is Downtown at the Capitol Theatre at the Verne Riffe Center at 2:30 pm on Saturday March 31st. The Ohio Brass Arts Festival runs from 12:30pm - 6:00pm and will feature 7 bands, along with 2 ensembles and guest clinicians Helen Tyler and the BBC's own Dan King. The Schedule is as follows:
Twisted Steel will perform during stage changes. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for seniors, students and NABBA members. More information can be found at www.OhioBrassBands.com 10-Feb-2007 |
BBC set to record with Helen Tyler
|
As part 2 of 3 of a baritone solo CD project, Helen Tyler will be recording with the BBC in early April. The CD will feature solos written specifically for the often neglected baritone performed by Rob Richardson (YBS Band), Helen Tyler (Fodens; pictured left), Katrina Marzella (Leylan) and the BBC's own (Diana Herak). Expected release date is late June. You can see Helen perform with the BBC at the Ohio Brass Arts Festival on April 1st. 10-Feb-2007 |
Brian Stevens announced new Assistant Director
|
At
Tuesday, September 4th's rehearsal Brian Stevens was officially named
the Assistant Director of the Brass Band of Columbus, a vacancy that
had not been filled since last February. 4-Oct-2006 |
BBC Women All-Stars
|
The Brass Band of Columbus was represented by five of their women players in the Athena Brass Band at the recent International Women's Brass Conference at Illinois State University. The Athena Brass Band was formed in 2004 and is made up of many of the finest female brass band players in the United States. Their Musical Director is Anita Cocker Hunt from the Cincinnati Brass Band. This year's members included (from left to right) baritone players Beth Natali and Diana Herak, tenor horn soloist Lisa Galvin, tenor horn Christine Fowkes and cornet Stephanie Smith. The Brass Band of Columbus has one of the largest contingents in the Athena Brass Band. 4-July-2006 |
BBC releases new CD to salute Droste for his "Gifted Leadership"
|
The Brass Band of Columbus of Columbus has just released its new CD "Gifted Leadership." The CD is a tribute to BBC founder and former director Paul Droste. The CD contains 23 marches many of which have not been recorded often by a brass band. The CD also contains an extensive booklet with program notes for each of the marches and is an excellent reference. 21-May-2006 |
BBC to feature Cabot Rea at the Southern Theatre
|
The Brass Band
of Columbus presents our next public performance Sunday, May 21st at the
beautiful Southern Theater in Downtown Columbus. Concert time for
this ticketed event will be 2:00 PM. 5-May-2006 |
One for the Other Thumb!
|
The Brass Band of Columbus achieved their unprecedented 10th North American Brass Band Championship victory this past weekend. The band competed in the Championship Section (the highest section) at the annual NABBA Championships. This years event was held at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany, Indiana (just across the Ohio River from Louisville). The band set the standard (playing off the #1 draw) by playing two major works: Quintessence (Redhead) and the set test piece, Of Men and Mountains(Gregson). Six other Championship section bands followed and although they came close (very close as the BBC finished 0.2 points out of 300 ahead of the 2nd place band and 0.4 points ahead of the 3rd place band), nobody could top them. 2-Apr-2006 |
Diana Herak wins Soloist Prize
|
Also, as part of the weekend at the North American Brass Band Championships, was the solo and ensemble contest. Years ending in "6" seem to be lucky for Diana as she won the Low Brass Slow Melody contest for the second time (the other being in 1996). In order to accomplish this feat Diana had to outperform 24 other contestants in this, the largest soloist category. Diana once again played a beautiful rendition of the Pete Meechan piece "Alu" that was commissioned by her husband, Patrick, for their 10th anniversary. 2-Apr-2006 |
BBC's "new" EEb Bass Section
|
There was a new look in the BBC bass section at their concert at Linworth UMC this past Sunday...sort of. John Huffman returned to the BBC on EEb Bass (a position he held from 1985-1994). Also joining him in a move from the baritone section is Pat Herak. Both are looking forward to preparing for the upcoming North American Brass Band Championships. 8-Mar-2006 |
BBC to Release New CD |
The Brass Band of Columbus finished their recording sessions of their new CD. The CD will be entitled "Gifted Leadership" as a tribute to former director Paul Droste. The CD will contain over 20 marches, some of which are not well known, as well as many favorites including: 'El Capitan March', 'God and Country', 'Hail to the Spirit of Liberty', 'The Melody Shop', 'The Stars and Stripes Forever' and of course the title track 'Gifted Leadership' The CD is expected to be released mid-April at the God & Country Concert. Click on the thumbnail to the left to view images from the recording sessions. 19-Dec-2005 |
BBC wins Web site. of the Month'
|
The Brass Band of Columbus won web site. of the month for November 2005 from the online Brass Band Forum www.themouthpiece.com . As part of being the monthly winner the BBC receives an entry in the tMP WWW Site of the Month Roll Call, a one month listing on tMP Forum Home page and a one month promotional banner on tMP. Additionally, the BBC is now up for the 2005 Web site. of the year. (link and voting info for WWW of the Year removed for archival purposes.) 1-Dec-2005 |
BBC set to PremierePete Meechan Piece
|
On Sunday, December 4th 2005 the Brass Band of Columbus will be premiering a Pete Meechan piece entitled "Alu" as part of their concert at Ascension Lutheran Church. Pete is one of the up and coming brass band composers in England and is currently the Young Composer in Residence for the #1 World Ranked Black Dyke Brass Band. The piece is a baritone solo commissioned for Diana Herak by her husband, fellow BBC baritone, Patrick for their 10th anniversary. Appropriately the premiere takes place at the same church they were married at 10 years earlier and where the BBC played at their wedding. Pete sends his greetings and says, "It was a pleasure to write this solo for Diana, and my only regret is that I'm not able to make it over to the States for the premiere. However, I know both Pat and Diana from their time in the UK, and know that it will be a special performance." 1-Dec-2005 |
New Web site. Launched |
We hope you enjoy the new format of "BBC Online." Please take time to get to know our members, check out our BBC merchandise and find out about our new ways you can help the band. 4-Oct-2005 |
BBC
to Perform at
|
On Sunday, November 20, 2005
at 7:00 p.m., the BBC will be performing as part of an exclusive event
called, A Classical Affair, held at The Mall at Tuttle Crossing.
This exclusive event will feature live music, wine-tasting and
shopping while raising funds for nonprofit arts organizations in Central
Ohio, including the BBC and the Ohio Citizens for the Arts Foundation.
Please join us to take advantage of the best discounts of the year
at over 95 stores throughout Tuttle and while you shop, sample fine Ohio
wines while enjoying entertainment around every corner from some of
Columbus’ premier musical ensembles. 17-Oct-2005 |
Paul
Bierley is awarded the
|
This award is presented annually by the band to an individual or group who exemplifies what Dr. Droste is and what he has done for the band as a whole and for the individuals in the band. The inaugural Founder’s Award was presented last May, quite appropriately, to Dr. Paul Droste. Our most recent recipient, Paul Bierley, is a founding member of the Brass Band of Columbus and was part of the band for nearly fifteen years. He is an outstanding musician, a scholar, a researcher and a world-famous author. He has shown great leadership and dedication. The plaque reads: "The Brass Band of Columbus presents The Dr. Paul E. Droste Founder’s Award to Paul E. Bierley who, by nature of his MUSICIANSHIP, CHARACTER and DEDICATION, contributed immeasurably to the tradition of excellence and ongoing success of the Brass Band of Columbus." The BBC also confers to Paul E. Bierley the honor of Emeritus Membership. 2-Oct-2005 |
Brass Band Connection - Our Newsletter Archive...
The Official BBC Newsletter, The Brass Band Connection, is usually published three times a year.
If you would like to be added to the BBC e-mail list, please click on the mailbox below, or if you want to be really well-informed about upcoming concerts and other topics, complete our Join our Mailing List Web Form (it includes other interest areas for future communication).. We will send you links to each issue of the Brass Band Connection upon publication. Please feel free to peruse our archive of past issues available below.
To view an archived issue of Brass Band Connection click on the desired issue to download that specific PDF file.
Access our most Current Brass Band Connection issue...
∧ top
Older newsletters may be downloaded directly below:
∧ top
The following archived issues are not available online, but may be secured by sending an email request with the desired issue date(s) to our Webmaster. Please allow a generous amount of time for this process. Thank you.
- September-2004
- October-2003
- January-2003
- October-2002
∧ top
Brass Band Links...
We assembled this helpful resource to those interested in learning more about Brass Bands - either in general or in locating a specific band.
Please enable new browser windows so that you may remain on the BBC Web site while these external links.
GENERAL BRASS BAND SITES
|
INDIVIDUAL BRASS BAND SITES |
Is there something that you would like to know?...
Those of us who are so immersed in the world of Brass Banding realize that for those new to the genre, there may be questions. Do you have a question that doesn't appear to be answered already somewhere here on our Web site?
Those questions we feel are of general interest will become the backbone of an upcoming FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section... Access our "Ask A Question" Web Form.
Join our mailing list to receive our Newsletter and other information...
To save money (on printing and postage) and trees, the BBC has adopted an entirely digital Newsletter... About the only things we print these days are our Concert Programs.
Please join our mailing list to ensure you are kept current on breaking news (we won't bombard you) and receive each issue in a timely manner. (We'll send you a link to download versus trying to attach the PDF file).
So we can also establish some profiles of interests, please complete our Join Our Mailing List Web Form. Alternatively, to simply add your email address to our list, you can send an email to John Watkins, Newsletter Editor
