By Nicole Bennett

What does your mind come up with when you’re told that you’re about to be entertained by a brass band? Funny hats and lederhosen? Perfectly synchronized marching routines?

How about serious musicianship? Granted, that may not be the traditional stereotype of such a group, but it’s the reputation preceding the coveted Brass Band of Columbus.

“When people think of brass bands, they think of marches and lederhosen,” says Tim Jameson, director of the BBC. “We want people to know that we are that and 1,000 percent more.”

Founded with a high standard for musicians’ abilities, the BBC was established in 1984 by Dr. Paul Droste. When Droste retired in December 2004, Tim Jameson became the director. Jameson vowed to focus on the group’s original intention of maintaining a tradition of excellence and a high level of musicianship.

The ensemble consists of a strict composition of brass and percussion instruments. Although modeled after the British brass bands that typically have 28 pieces, this ensemble has 45 members, in the event that not everyone can be present at a performance.

The BBC’s repertoire is broad – consisting of everything from classical to show tunes to jazz to Americana – and continues to evolve.

“Although we have not changed much since its formation in 1984, during the past three years we have intentionally made the effort to stretch ourselves musically and make performances more entertaining for the general public through the music selection and audience interaction,” says Jameson.

The band typically has 20 to 24 performances a year. Whether they are at indoor or outdoor venues, community events, or large competitions, the band not only plays to entertain, but also to connect with the audience.

The BBC has performed all over the world, including participation in 17 different North American Brass Band Association competitions of which it has won 10. They group also was the first North American brass band to be invited to perform as a part of the British Open Brass Band competition in 2000 in Birmingham, England. Its success is due in large part to its committed members.

“I believe that our band as survived because our members have a passion for the group, a passion for the music, and a passion for each other,” says Jameson.

Performing is not the only purpose of this group. It also advocates for music education programs in Central Ohio schools. Through its program, Brass Band of Columbus Educational Outreach, the importance of music education in schools is emphasized, along with increasing the appreciation of music and promoting it as a lifetime experience.

Two programs fall under the umbrella of the BBC’s Educational Outreach efforts – the Shared Concert Series and Young Artists Competition.

The Shared Concert Series is a way for students and the BBC to nurture each other’s talents through joint performances.

The Young Artist Competition allows high school students who play brass instruments to compete for a spot to perform with the Brass Band of Columbus at a concert. These soloists will perform a piece from a list of a standard repertoire and are then judged based on their performance. The top three contestants receive prizes, but only the winner garners the opportunity to perform with the BBC.

The Brass Band of Columbus, under the direction of Tim Jameson, will have two separate performances at the Dublin Irish Festival on Aug. 1 and 2.

For more information about the BBC and its performance schedule, visit www.brassbandofcolumbus.org.