On March 22, the Dublin Jerome Performing Arts Center was alive with the sound of brass music as ten bands gathered from three states for a spectacular day of music-making at the 2025 Dublin Festival of Brass. The event, known for its spirit of camaraderie and musical excellence, showcased an expanded selection of repertoire, allowing bands to demonstrate their versatility and artistry like never before.
This year’s format offered bands the opportunity to select two pieces from a variety of options, including a fanfare, slow melody, solo or section feature, and march. Each band also performed a major work, adding to the excitement and diversity of the program. The result was an incredible display of musicianship, with each ensemble bringing their unique style and interpretation to the stage.
The elite section saw fierce competition, but it was Five Lakes Silver Band that emerged victorious, claiming the prestigious Droste Shield. During the awards ceremony, Diana Droste Herak, daughter of the trophy’s namesake Dr. Paul Droste, presented the shield, celebrating her father’s ongoing contributions to brass banding and his lasting impact on the community. The challenge section was won by Motor City Brass Band, making for a unique and heartwarming twist—their directors are father and son, adding an extra layer of pride and celebration to their achievements. Each section also featured an extremely competitive runner-up spot, highlighting the depth of talent on display.
On Friday night before the Droste Shield Competition, the DFOB adjudicators led an open reading band that previewed music from the newly-revived NABBA Instant Band. Dr. Ishbah Cox, Gareth Pritchard, and Jessica Sneeringer served as Saturday’s adjudicators, offering valuable feedback to all the bands. Using the NABBA scoring system, they provided thorough evaluations that will help ensembles refine their performances as they prepare for the upcoming North American Brass Band Championships in early April.
The youth section was a particular highlight, with the Dublin Youth Brass Band giving a stellar performance as they prepare for their first-ever trip to the NABBC in Ft. Wayne, IN. The DYBB featured the festival’s youngest performer, just 11 years old, exemplifying the bright future of brass banding and the dedication of young musicians.
This year’s festival was the first to be presented by the new Dublin Festival of Brass committee, who worked tirelessly to make the event a success. The organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to the many sponsors, volunteers, and participants whose support and dedication made the day possible.
The energy and enthusiasm of the participants were palpable throughout the event, from the first notes of the morning to the triumphant finales. Players, directors, and audience members alike expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to perform, connect, and celebrate the art of brass banding.
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Individual/Section Award Winners:
Best soprano cornet: Motor City Brass Band
Best cornet section: Five Lakes Silver Band
Best flugelhorn: Five Lakes Silver Band
Best tenor horn section: Five Lakes Silver Band
Best baritone section: Cincinnati Brass Band
Best euphonium: Five Lakes Silver Band
Best trombone: Bass trombone, Oakland University Brass Band
Best bass section: Motor City Brass Band
Best percussion section: Five Lakes Silver Band
Best youth players: Horn & flugelhorn section, Dublin Youth Brass Band
Youngest performer: Sam B., 11 years old, Dublin Youth Brass Band
Full Band Awards:
Best performance of a march in the challenge section: Motor City Brass Band
Best performance of a slow melody in the challenge section: Motor City Brass Band
Best performance of a fanfare in the challenge section: Crossroads Brass Band
Best performance of a solo or section feature in the challenge section: Dublin Metro Brass
Best performance of a major work in the challenge section: Motor City Brass Band
Best performance of a march in the elite section: Oakland University Brass Band
Best performance of a slow melody in the elite section: Five Lakes Silver Band
Best performance of a fanfare in the elite section: Five Lakes Silver Band
Best performance of a major work in the elite section: Five Lakes Silver Band
Overall Awards:
Best youth band: Dublin Youth Brass Band
Second runner-up in the challenge section with 87.313 points: Cincinnati Brass Band
First runner-up in the challenge section with 87.792 points: River’s’ Edge Brass Band
Best challenge section band with 90.042 points: Motor City Brass Band
Overall 3rd place with 92.104 points: Dublin Silver Band
Overall 2nd place with 92.854 points: Oakland University Brass Band
2025 Dublin Festival of Brass Champions with 96.625 points: Five Lakes Silver Band
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With another successful festival in the books, anticipation is already building for next year’s event. The DFOB was a resounding success, a testament to the dedication and passion of the performers, organizers, and adjudicators who made it all possible.
Be sure to follow the Dublin Festival of Brass on social media for updates about DFOB 2026, and to stay connected with the brass band community!
Here’s to another year of outstanding brass music!