MANSFIELD, PA— In its first ever competition, the Mansfield University Brass Band (MUBB), under the direction of Nathan Rinnert, took second place in the third section of the North American Brass Band Championships (NABBA) held in Fort Wayne, IN on March 13-14.
MUBB finished second to Chapel Brass from Ohio by three-tenths of a point, scoring 277 out of 300 possible points.
“Participation in such a high quality contest, with a variety of brass bands from across the country and Canada, has certainly served as motivation for the band to ‘up its game’ and raise its performance standards,” Rinnert said. “The commitment and diligence displayed by band members over the past few months has paid off with a significant showing for the MUBB in its first contest of any kind. Reception of the band’s performance and participation from those in attendance at the contest was overwhelming and extremely welcoming. Comments from the three adjudicators were also positive, encouraging and constructive.”
The MUBB was formed in the spring of 2006 and is the only British-style university brass band in the state of Pennsylvania. The brass band movement in the U.S. has been dominated by amateur and community organizations for decades. Only over the past decade has there been a significant increase in colleges and universities implementing brass band programs. Rinnert says that the MUBB hopes to be an important part of this new trend.
“The MUBB will continue to serve the university and local communities through regular performances each semester, both on and off campus, and at the December Commencement ceremony,” Rinnert said. “If all goes according to plan, regular attendance at the NABBA contest will also be in the band’s future.”
The MUBB will be presenting a performance of contest pieces, along with other brass band repertoire, solos, and chamber ensembles, at its final concert of the season, on Monday, April 27, 7:30 p.m. in Steadman Theatre. The concert is free and open to the public.
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