Overview

An Overview of "The Nationals"

The Basics of Competing at a National Championships

The Australian National Band Championships ("The Nationals") brings together musicians of all skill levels from diverse backgrounds across Australia (and worldwide) to compete in a friendly and constructive environment to be crowned Champions of Australia. The Nationals comprises three distinct events, the On-stage Championships, Marching Championships and Solo/Ensemble Championships. The Nationals are usually held over the Easter long weekend.  In 2025, they will be in Melbourne, VIC from 29th March - 1st April.

The Nationals follows the regulations set by the National Band Council of Australia and are updated yearly.  Please click here for the latest Year Book.

On-Stage Championships

The On-Stage Championship is open to brass and concert bands across Australia and worldwide. Bands are classified as Open or Junior, and each classification comprises multiple grades. For example, the open brass section has five grades: Premier, A, B, C and D (with Premier being the top grade) and the open concert section has four grades: Premier (formerly A Grade), B, C and D. Both brass and concert junior sections have three grades A, B, and C.

Music Requirements 

Bands are required to perform four items when competing at the National Band Championships; these are as follows: 

Hymn

The Hymn or Sacred Item can only be a reflective piece connected with religion or of a spiritual nature.

Test Piece

Every band must perform this work in their band grade.
For example, all bands competing in the Open A Grade Concert band section will perform the set Test Piece as announced on 1 September 2024.

Own Choice Selection

This piece is a significant work chosen by the band, which highlights the band's strengths.

March

The march comes from a set list called the 'NBCA Prescribed March List'.

Scoring & Player Limits

These four pieces are performed to an audience and the adjudicators and marked out a total of 600 points:

The band gaining the highest number of points shall be the Australian National Champion for that grade. In a tie in aggregate points, the winner shall be the band acquiring the highest number of points in the Test Piece.

Player Limits for on Stage Events:

Note maximum player numbers on stage are as per current NBCA regulations:

Brass – maximum 34 instrumentalists + percussion as required

Concert – maximum 70 instrumentalists + percussion as required

Seating plans are necessary so we can prepare the stage for your performance. These are due 6 weeks before the event.

Marching Championships

Bands can choose to participate in the Marching Championships (Parade of Bands) and may choose a different march for the Parade of Bands from their On-Stage Championship.

Marching Rules & Regulations
NBCA Drill & Street Marching Regulations: 2012 NBCA Drill and Street Marching Regulations
NBCA Drill & Marching Handbook:  2012 NBCA Drill and Marching Handbook

Scoring

There are four elements to competing in the Parade of Bands.

Inspection (20 points)

Bands are inspected before marching in the Parade of Bands. Points are deducted for errors, including incorrect spacing in ranks and files, instability in the ranks and other irregularities. (see NBCA Drill Handbook)

Music (40 points)

Points are awarded on the quality of the music being produced whilst a band is marching.

Change of Direction (20 points)

Points are awarded based on the execution and entertainment value of the change of direction.

Drill (100 points)

Points are awarded based on how well a band executes the marching evolutions.

The band in each grade gaining the highest aggregate points for these four items will be declared the Champion Marching Band.

There is a seperate prize given for the most entertaining change of direction.

Solo & Ensemble Championships

Solo Sections

All soloists perform a test piece that has been chosen specifically for their instrument and age group (Open; Junior - U/19).
Soloists generally perform their pieces with piano accompaniment and are scored out of 100 points. The following sections will be contested at the Nationals:

Brass

Eb Soprano Cornet, Bb Cornet, Bb Trumpet, Flugel Horn, Eb Tenor Horn, French Horn, Tenor Trombone, Bass Trombone, Baritone, Euphonium, High Tuba (EEb & F), Low Tuba (BBb & C).

Woodwind

Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone.

Percussion

Side/Snare Drum, Mallet Percussion, Timpani, Multi Percussion.

Champion of Champions — Brass, Woodwind and Percussion (10 min time limit)

The competitors who win their respective solo championships are invited to compete in an additional Champion of Champions event. This event showcases the best of the best and allows competitors to perform a piece of their own choice. The Champion of Champion events are held for Open Brass, Open Woodwind, Junior Brass and Junior Woodwind sections.

Quartets and Quintets (10 min time limit)

The following ensemble sections are contested at the Nationals. Quartets and Quintets involve four or five players performing a work of their choosing and receiving a score out of 100.

Open Quartet
Junior Quartet
Open Quintet
Junior Quintet