Reflections on Band Competitions

Where I grew up, participating in music competitions was rather uncommon. I can only recall one instance where our school band competed in the Buskerud Championship, and it went so poorly that the conductor had to stop and restart us. There was only one band that attended the Norwegian Championships (NM) for wind bands, and while it was fun to visit Trondheim, the trip itself was far more exciting than the actual performance.

When I moved to Rogaland, I had to rethink my view on competitions. Here, most school bands participate annually in the Rogaland Championships (RM), competing as bands, ensembles, and soloists. Additionally, I’ve had the chance to be part of a few Norwegian Brass Band Championships and Siddis Brass festivals, experiencing firsthand how the process leading up to a competition can be transformative. And when one of the bands I conduct triumphed in the 4th Division at Stavanger Open last weekend, I knew it was time to reflect on how competitions can enrich and energize band life.

Competitions Provide Clear Goals

A competition sets a concrete, clear goal. There’s a deadline, judges to impress, and rules to follow. Some of the band members had competed before, but for the youngest, this was a completely new experience. This meant we had to thoroughly review the rules, discuss what would happen during the event, and prepare everything—from music and stagecraft to ferry rides, entry marches, and how we’d exit the stage. There’s something about knowing you’ll perform in a concert hall, not just the local gymnasium, that sharpens your focus.

Another benefit of competitions is that once the repertoire is set, it’s set. There’s no option to pull a piece that isn’t working or make last-minute changes, like adding a parent on tuba to fill a gap. For a small, young band that often relies on adult helpers during rehearsals, this meant they could proudly say: “We did it ourselves!”

Inspiration and Motivation

In preparation for Stavanger Open, one of our tuba players suggested we hold a practice competition. This was based on time spent rehearsing, so we counted both at-home practice and band rehearsals. As a result, several junior musicians joined the beginners’ rehearsals in addition to attending their own weekly sessions, building camaraderie across age groups.

On competition day, most of the musicians stayed to watch other bands in higher divisions after our performance. They were starstruck when our neighbors in Sevland, who won the 2nd Division, played. Everyone was on the edge of their seats during Stavanger Brass Band’s gala concert, and the roar of joy from the stage when our musicians learned they had won was unforgettable.

Receiving specific feedback from the judges on what we can improve is also incredibly valuable. Some suggestions resonate more than others, but overall, it’s helpful for both the conductor and the musicians to understand how others perceive our performance.

The Band as a Social Democracy

The Norwegian Labour Party had an old slogan, “Everyone shall be included”. That’s been our guiding principle this fall. Beginners, juniors, senior members, and parents collaborated throughout the process. The oldest musicians also led sectional rehearsals with the youngest, doing a tremendous job as role models. Stavanger Open became more than just an experience for the main band—it was a milestone for our entire band family.

Looking Ahead

So, what’s next? I’ve always been process-oriented in my work with children and youth, so focusing on rankings and divisions has never felt quite natural to me. For competitions to be meaningful, they need to be about working toward a shared goal, fostering teamwork, and creating inspiring experiences. I believe we achieved that.

See you at RM 2025!