The President's Award

The North American Brass Band Association is honored to present the group 2025 President's Award to the Women of the Ohio State University Marching Band. What many may not realize is the groundbreaking role this ensemble has played in advancing the inclusion and recognition of women in the world of brass banding. In a tradition historically dominated by men, these extraordinary women have, for over fifty years now, shattered stereotypes and defied expectations. These women carry the values of dedication, musicality, and teamwork instilled in them during their time in the OSUMB, enriching the brass band community as a whole. They are not just musicians; they are pioneers. The programme names among them Lisa Galvin, Jan Duga, Diana Herak, Jessica Sneeringer, Laura Lineberger and Marcia LaRue, charter members, conductors and founders of the Brass Band of Columbus, the Central Ohio Brass Band and the Athena Brass Band.

The North American Brass Band Association is honored to present the individual 2025 President's Award to Dave Jones, a tireless advocate and dedicated servant of the brass band movement in North America. His 11 years of service on the NABBA board, including two impactful terms as Secretary from 2015 to 2019, demonstrate his unwavering commitment to the association's mission. He spearheaded the effort to host the NABBA Championships in Fort Wayne, transforming it into a premier event. Now in its sixth year with his leadership, the Fort Wayne contest stands as a testament to his exceptional commitment, personal sacrifice, and generous spirit. As a charter member and three-term President of the Old Crown Brass Band, Dave embodies the spirit of community brass banding. He welcomes newcomers with open arms, encourages musicians of all levels, and fosters a positive and inclusive environment within the brass band community.

The North American Brass Band Association proudly presents the 2023 President's Award to Dr Ronald W. Holz, for his many years of service to NABBA and the brass band movement in North America. Ron is a noted music historian, conductor, lecturer, and adjudicator, and a leading authority on the literature and history of the British-style brass band and the American wind band. In 2014 he retired as Professor of Music Literature and Instrumental Music at Asbury University, where he taught for 33 years. He led the Lexington Brass Band, of international acclaim via tours of Great Britain and Canada. Within NABBA he served as President, Vice President, Editor of The Brass Band Bridge, Contest Controller, and long standing member of the Board. During his years as President he established the Solo and Ensemble Contests, ran the reading band, and gave Gala Concerts with the Lexington Brass Band. He and his wife, Dr Beatrice Holz, received in 2014 the highest honor granted by the international Salvation Army, The Order of the Founder. On a personal note, Ron is a wonderful friend and has a great sense of humor.

The North American Brass Band Association proudly presents the 2023 President's Award to Dr J. Perry Watson, for his drive and guiding light as founder and first President of NABBA. Dr Watson founded the North Carolina State University British Brass Band in 1965 and in 1981 spearheaded a British Brass Band Showcase, garnering support from Yamaha to provide a full complement of brass instruments for an all-day seminar. He replicated the seminars eighteen times across the US and Canada, which led to the formation of a number of brass bands, including his own Triangle Brass Band. He founded a newsletter, The Brass Band Bridge, which later became the official publication of the association, authored the booklets Starting a British Brass Band and The Care and Feeding of a Community British Brass Band, and was the first major importer of music and recordings for brass band, Purdy's Brass Connection. From 1983 to 1987 he served as the first President and in 1983 hosted the very first NABBA Championships in Raleigh. We owe our gratitude for all that Dr Watson sacrificed to bring all of us together.

The North American Brass Band Association proudly presents the 2023 President's Award to Dr Paul Droste, for his many years of service to NABBA and the brass band movement in North America. Dr Droste became the second President of NABBA in 1987, a position he held until 1991. In August of 1984 Dr Droste, the former director of The Ohio State University Marching Band, became the founder and director of the Brass Band of Columbus, which finished first in the Championship Section nine times during his time as director. He also conducted the Ohio Collegiate Brass, which won two titles under his baton. The Brass Band of Columbus hosted the competition at Dublin Coffman High School in 1987, 1992 and 1996. Dr Droste led the Yamaha/NABBA Summer Brass Band Workshops, holding 45 workshops between 1990 and 2005; among the bands started as a result are the Brass Band of Battle Creek, the Ohio Valley British Brass Band, the Cincinnati Brass Band, the Golden State British Brass Band, the Brass Band of Minot, the Ozark Mountains British Brass Band and the Brass Band of Huntsville.