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A recorded first round judged by leading players from top brass bands across the world, and a live final at the Championships.
Entrants submit a recorded performance in the first round. Each instrument category is heard by an international adjudicator, who chooses the players advancing to the second round; from those, the finalists are selected to perform live in front of a judge and an audience during championship weekend, with cash awards for the winners.
Categories follow the brass band: cornet, tenor horn and flugelhorn, euphonium and baritone, trombone, tuba, and percussion. Entrants must be current NABBA members.
The 2027 panel will be announced before entry opens. These are the adjudicators from 2026.
Tom Hutchinson, principal cornet of the world-renowned Cory Band, has led his ensemble to historic victories, including British Open, European, and National Championship titles, earning multiple Cory Player of the Year awards for his breathtaking tone and virtuosic flair. As a Professor of Cornet at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and a Besson artist, he inspires through global masterclasses and solo performances that redefine cornet artistry.
Dr. Brett Baker, solo trombone of the top-ranked Cory Band and former principal with Black Dyke for 24 years, has premiered over 100 works and recorded 40+ solo albums, showcasing his innovative approach to trombone artistry. As Chair of the Association of Brass Band Adjudicators and an ITA President's Award recipient, his global workshops and adjudication at events like the European Championships reflect his passion for nurturing talent.
Glenn Van Looy, solo euphonium of Valaisia Brass Band and former star with Brass Band Heist and Buizingen, has captivated audiences with victories at the Jeju International Brass Competition, UFAM Paris, and Lieksa Euphonium Contest, paired with his signature GVL Cardinal euphonium. A Geneva Instruments artist and conductor, his acclaimed CD Lost Treasures and international performances highlight his lyrical mastery on both euphonium and baritone.
Tommy Tynan, principal EEb tuba of Black Dyke Band and former Cory star, has powered championship wins like the 2022 European title while premiering his own arrangement of Ricardo Mollá's Amaia at the RNCM Festival of Brass. A University of Huddersfield graduate and Randefalk Music artist, his 2023 Cory Player of the Year award reflects his commanding presence and creative contributions to the tuba repertoire.
Sheona Wade, the iconic solo horn of the famous Cory Band and former principal with Black Dyke and Yorkshire Building Society, has secured eight European titles and the BBC Radio 2 Young Musician of the Year award with her soulful, Besson-endorsed sound. Her acclaimed CDs like Timeless and commissions from Philip Sparke and Peter Graham have expanded the tenor horn and flugelhorn repertoire, captivating audiences worldwide.
Dr. Connor Stevens, Assistant Professor of Percussion at the University of Oklahoma, leads the OU Percussion Ensemble, Steel Bands, and Pride of Oklahoma Drumline, delivering electrifying performances at PASIC and regional festivals with innovative, high-energy repertoire. A Malletech-endorsed artist and founding member of the Frozen Earth Duo, his international clinics and recordings showcase his mastery of marimba, steel pan, and contemporary percussion.
Championships 2027 · April 7, 2027
Typically rules and judges are announced in September, entry opens around October 1, the first (recorded) round closes in mid-January, and finalists play live at the Championships. Check back, or watch NABBA's email and social channels.