Triumph in Fort Wayne: NABBA Championships 2025 Celebrate Excellence in Brass
The 2025 North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) Championships in Fort Wayne delivered a weekend of powerful performances, friendly rivalry, and unforgettable musical moments. As one of the premier events for brass bands in North America, this year’s championships drew a record number of ensembles and showcased the extraordinary depth of talent that continues to rise across the continent.
Championship Section: An Elite Display
At the top level of competition, the Championship Section was fierce, polished, and filled with musical fire. The Fountain City Brass Band once again proved its dominance, taking 1st place with a commanding score of 96.967, demonstrating breathtaking precision and artistry. Five Lakes Silver Band followed with a strong 2nd place (93.983), while Dallas Brass Band—in only their third appearance in Championship Section at NABBA—claimed an impressive 3rd place with 93.833, with a performance that was both technically sound and emotionally resonant.
The remainder of the top-tier field was stacked with top-notch performances from ensembles like James Madison University Brass Band (4th, 93.233), Atlantic Brass Band (5th, 92.433), and San Francisco Brass Band (6th, 89.233), among others, proving that the Championship Section remains a thrilling battleground for the best of the best.
Tied at the Top in 1st Section
In a rare and exciting twist, the 1st Section ended in a tie for 1st place between Dublin Silver Band and Oakland University Brass Band, both scoring 92.283. Dublin edged ahead by virtue of a higher score on the set test piece. San Antonio Brass Band earned a strong 3rd place (91.817), rounding out a highly competitive section that included standout performances from Colorado Brass, Brass Band of Northern Virginia, and more.
Rising Stars in 2nd and 3rd Sections
The 2nd Section saw Massanutten Brass Band take top honors with 91.950, closely followed by St. Louis Brass Band (90.717) and Central Ohio Brass Band (90.133). The variety and commitment on display in this section highlighted the strength of developing bands and their contributions to the larger brass band ecosystem.
In the 3rd Section, Cherry Blossom Brass Band rose to the top with 85.700, edging out youth-focused ensembles like the Fountain City Youth Brass Academy and Motor City Academy Brass Band, both of which showcased the promise of the next generation.
Youth Division: A Bright Future
The Youth divisions were a celebration of energy, learning, and future excellence. Youth Brass Academy topped the Youth Open Section with an impressive 94.000, while Watson Brass Band led the Youth Championship Section (91.567) and Triangle Youth Brass Band triumphed in the Youth 1st Section (89.233). It’s clear that the future of brass banding is in good hands.
A Resounding Celebration
From the riveting contest performances to the reunions, workshops, and vendor showcases, the NABBA Championships in Fort Wayne were a true celebration of brass band culture. It wasn’t just about scores—it was about the joy of making music together, the friendships formed across state and national borders, and the shared commitment to the genre’s continued growth in North America.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on an unforgettable weekend, the momentum from Fort Wayne continues to build. Congratulations to all the bands—especially our top performers—and a heartfelt thank you to the organizers, volunteers, adjudicators, and audience members who made it all possible. Here’s to even greater things next year when we return to Fort Wayne!