These rules aim to create a clear framework for the Flemish Open Brass Band Championship 2012 (FOBBC). These rules originally were drawn up in Dutch. The Dutch version is the only binding version. This English version is a courtesy translation for your information.

 

Sections

The FOBBC 2012 will be organized in four different sections:

• A (Championship Section)
• B (First Section)
• C (Second Section)
• D (Third Section)

Admission to the sections

Only brass bands playing on a brass band standard set of instruments will be admitted to the contest. See ‘Composition of the participating brass band’.

Registration: every participating brass band has to deposit a list of the brass band members and the conductor. This registration list needs to be handed over to the band’s steward on the day of the competition before entering the stage. The list of musicians and conductor contains name, address, date of birth and instrument. This list has to be complete, if not, the list cannot be accepted.

Musicians are not allowed to play with more than one brass band in the same section.

Musicians are not allowed to play more than one different brass instrument, unless the orchestration of the score requires otherwise. A brass instrument player can however complete the percussion section of the band.

Conductors are not allowed to play an instrument neither with the brass band which (s)he conducts, nor with a brass band within in the same section.

No rehearsals in the contest hall will be allowed.

There will be a warm-up room available.

The organization has the right to classify a band in another section than they have registered for. This judgement could e.g. be made on the basis of the difficulty level of the programme or past results in other competitions.

Composition of the participating brass band

A maximum of 35 musicians are allowed, percussion included. The composition includes soprano cornet, cornet, tenor horn, flugel horn, euphonium, baritone, trombone, bass trombone, Eb bass, Bb bass and percussion.

In section D a small aberration of the number of musicians will be allowed.

Date and place of the Flemish Open Brass Band Championship 2012

The FOBBC 2012 will take place in the City Theatre of Mechelen on:

• 14 April 2012 – Sections B (afternoon) and A (evening)
• 15 April 2012 – Sections D and C (during the day)

Insurance of the participating brass bands

Every participating brass band has to be insured for civil liability.

The instruments remain the responsibility of the participating brass band. The organization cannot be held responsible for possible accidents, theft, loss or damage to the instruments.

 

Entries

Entry form

Participation in the Flemish Open Brass Band Championship is possible via an electronic registration form which should be completed before 30 October 2011.

By way of sending this registration form, the brass band confirms to acknowledge the present rules for the FOBBC.

On the organizing committee’s initiative it is possible that bands are added to the list of competitors after 30 October 2011.

Entry fee

The entry fee is 200 Euro and has to be transferred to account number 750-9499655-21 mentioning ‘entry Flemish Open Brass Band Championship 2012 + name of the band’ before 30 October 2011.

Non-Belgian brass bands should make an international transfer via:
AXA Bank, Bankstraat 62, BE-2811 Hombeek, (IBAN: BE17750949965521 / BIC: AXA BBE22)

The entry is not definitive until the entry form and entry fee have reached the organizing committee. A confirmation about the participation shall be sent by the organizing committee to the band. The entry fee also allows the band musicians access to all performances of other bands starting in the same section.

Cancellations

The organizing committee has to be informed in writing about each cancellation.

Cancelling bands cannot get a refund of their entry fee.

Responsibility of the brass bands

In spite of all efforts made by the organizing committee, something can go wrong with communications. It is at the responsibility of the participating brass band to make sure they have all the information, rules and details. When the brass band receives no information from the organizing committee within the time specified, it is the brass band’s responsibility to inform the organizing committee.

 

Scheme of the Flemish Open Brass Band Championship

Order of participation and drawing lots

The order of performance of the bands will be determined by a drawing right before the start of the competition in each section.

Available percussion instruments

To limit the transition time between two brass bands, LEMCA Musical Instruments will put the following percussion instruments at the participating brass bands’ disposal:

• four concert timpani
• xylophone
• vibraphone
• marimba
• bass drum
• glockenspiel
• tubular bells
• conga drums
• gong
• three percussion tables
• three suspended cymbals
• clashed cymbals

Each participating brass band has to provide for the possible extra percussion instruments.

Adjudicators

The Flemish Open Brass Band Championship counts on an international and impartial team of adjudicators, from which judgement no appeal shall lie. The adjudicators shall not be enclosed and will guarantee a smooth working of the Flemish Open Brass Band Championship.

Performance

Each performance may have a maximum 30 minutes in duration. The transition time between two bands may amount to a maximum of 10 minutes (all included). Each band must be ready to start within 10 minutes after its predecessor leaving the podium. This timing shall be watched and violations may result in loss of points.

The band’s programme shall consist of the following components:

• A short set piece.
• A contest piece of own choice, at the level of the section in which the brass band wishes to compete.
• An additional programme.

The complete musical programme has to be sent to the organizing committee in writing before 1 February 2012 via the contact address.

Prizes

In each section, prizes will be awarded to the first three bands. The organizing committee can award prizes totalling a sum of 12 500 euro, amongst which two Besson Prestige instruments.

Details about the prizes will be made known by the organizing committee during the competition weekend.

Scores

For each of the performed works, the brass band shall send in three scores to the organizing committee via the contact address not later than 1 March 2012.

The organizing committee is responsible for the performing rights (Sabam). Each participating band is responsible for being in order with further copyrights. If the participating brass band does not want to run the risk, it can work only with original scores or it can try to get an agreement in writing from the composer or publisher to copy the score, arguing that it concerns a brief and once-only application on behalf of adjudicators.

Scoring

Each performance will be quoted on 100 points.

Mini concert

To promote the brass band scene, the organizing committee will organize a few mini-concerts in the city centre of Mechelen. If any band is interested to perform such a small public concert, it should please signal this to the organizing committee.

 

Practical matters

Eating, drinking and accommodation

Mechelen has a lot to offer. Please contact the organizing committee for any information on eating, drinking or accomodation.

Timings

• 30 October 2011: entry form and entry fee have to reach the organizing committee
• 1 February 2012: musical programme has to reach the organizing committee
• 1 March 2012: adjudicator’s scores have to reach the organizing committee
• 14 April 2012: Sections B (during the day) and A (evening)
• 15 April 2012: Sections D and C (during the day)