St. Charles to Host U.S. Open Brass Band Championships

Eight of what are being touted as the most entertaining brass bands in the United States will perform at the Norris Cultural Arts Center from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 3 as Brass Bands International brings its 10^th anniversary U.S. Open Brass Band Championships to St. Charles.

The even is hosted by the Prairie Brass Band of Arlington Heights, in partnership with brass instrument manufacturer Buffet Group, according to a release from the Greater St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door for $25.

The Greater St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates 600 people will attend the event, with overnight guests staying in three of the 12 St. Charles hotels. The Greater St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates that the mix of participants and spectators brought in by this event will result in estimated direct spending of just more than $100,000.

The bands that have accepted the invitation to this year’s championship include:

• Brass Band of Central Florida of Orlando, Fla.;
• Capital City Brass Band of Lansing, Mich.;
• Chicago Brass Band of Chicago;
• Dublin Silver Band of Columbus, Ohio;
• Eastern Iowa Brass Band of Cedar Rapids, Iowa;
• Fountain City Brass Band of Kansas City, Mo.;
• Illinois Brass Band of Arlington Heights;
• Prairie Brass Band.

The bands will compete for trophies and cash prizes in categories such as:

• Grand Champion
• 2^nd Place
• Most Entertaining Band
• Best Performance of a March
• Best New Composition or Arrangement for Brass Band
• Most Outstanding Percussion Section
• Best Featured Soloist

The award for the Best Cornet Player of the day will be made by Buffet Crampon.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit usopenbrass.org.

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