The Festival is open to all school concert, brass, and big bands, string ensembles and orchestras from across the planet. We have events for concert bands/wind bands, brass bands, big bands, string ensembles and orchestras of all ability levels - from those just starting out to the most accomplished ensembles. While most of our [...]

No, the Festival is not competitive. Our primary aim is to provide an educational and inspirational event allowing the students to showcase their musical talents. Music Directors are free to choose the event level they believe will best suit their ensemble, based on the difficulty of music they are currently playing. All ensembles will [...]

There are no set works or test pieces required at the ASBOF. All ensembles are required to present a varied program which should include a slow melody/chorale/hymn/lyric piece. For more advanced groups this might be a slow movement of a multi-movement piece. Since 2015 it has been mandatory for all ensembles participating in the [...]

Since 2021 all ensembles entering the ASBOF have the opportunity to enter: Adjudication Only All ensembles will have the opportunity to enter the Festival as an educational experience only and receive the confidential audio feedback from a member of our highly acclaimed panel of adjudicators. No award will be presented and no public announcement [...]

We have an EARLY BIRD entry rate and a GENERAL ENTRY rate. Since 2016 the ASBOF has implemented a sliding scale of entry fees for the EARLYBIRD RATE, calculated on the proportion of time an ensemble has to perform (i.e. the longer the performance time, the higher the entry fee). All General Entry rates [...]

Music Directors are free to choose the event level they believe most suits their ensemble. The ASBOF is aware that school ensembles may vary in their ability level from year to year and MDs are free to alter the event level they enter to reflect these changes. As the ASBOF is a non-competitive and [...]

If your ensemble improves ahead of your expectations during the year we can certainly enter and adjudicate you at a higher level at the Festival in July/August. Similarly, if you lose players or your program is disrupted, we can move your group to a less challenging event level for your performance and adjudication. Please [...]

A full range of large percussion equipment is supplied and all ensembles are expected to use the equipment unless they seek exemption from the Festival administration prior to the event. The link below takes you to a full list of the equipment supplied and the stage plan for how the gear will be set [...]

It is not permissible for tutors or school staff to play with the ensemble at the Festival. We can, however, make some exceptions for touring groups, and the adjudicator will take this into account when determining the award. If you experience issues with student absences due to prior commitments or sickness it is permissible [...]