Brianza wins first IMSB contest of 2016 season

The first contest of the 2016 IMSB season took place on Saturday 18th of June in Caronno Pertusella (Italy). In front of almost 800 people, four groups performed their shows in a beautiful and festive atmosphere. The contest was also the occasion to celebrate the 120th birthday of the Academy Parade Band that hosted the event.

The first contest of the 2016 IMSB season took place on Saturday 18th of June in Caronno Pertusella (Italy). In front of almost 800 people, four groups performed their shows in a beautiful and festive atmosphere. The contest was also the occasion to celebrate the 120th birthday of the Academy Parade Band that hosted the event.

Fortunately the weather was clement: instead of a rainy evening, as expected, there was a starry sky with a perfect temperature. Three Italian formations and one from the Czech Republic, split between Open and Premier Class (as expected by the new IMSB/WAMSB judging system), entertained the crowd with their marvelous performances.

In the Open Class, the Academy Parade Band (from Caronno Pertusella) took first place with a score of 81.40 points, followed by the MDO Marching Band (from Cheb, CZ), scoring 79.00 points. Academy put on an energetic show entitled 'Moulin Rouge', featuring a love story set in the famous Parisian theater. MDO played some amazing jazz and popular Czech music for the crowd, as part of a very funny show.

In the Premier Class, Brianza Parade Band (from Veduggio con Colzano) took first place, with 85.20 points (their show was entitled The Gift). General Vincent came second with a score of 81.90; their show 'Crescendo' told to the viewers about both the musical and human growth process, in a very interesting mix.

This year the IMSB Association started a process of reform of the entire judging system. The intention is to give the groups the possibility to be judged in different classes, in order to obtain more and better feedback from the judges. The actual system consists of 4 different classes (Premier, Open, Junior and Concert), inspired by the most organised championships around the world. The National Champion will be the winner of the Premier Class.

This contest was judged by Bob Thomas (Visual), Karsten Mellon (Music Winds), Marco Harder (Music Field Percussion) and James Lauvier (General Effect). The final event of the season will once again be held in Lecco, on the field of the Rigamonti-Ceppi Stadium, on Saturday the 9th of July.