The Historic Brass Society will be hosting their Early Brass Festival, being held in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the Vintage Band Festival from July 31-August 2, 2026, in Northfield MN.
The HBS invites proposals for presentations related to any aspect of early brass or brass bands – including but not limited to band history, pedagogy, repertoire, performance practice, and biographical/historical information. Musical topics related to the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, as it relates to early brass and wind band history, are also encouraged.
Proposals should include an abstract (250 words) and a biography (75 words) with email contact information. Presentations should be no more than 20 minutes; 5-7 minutes of Q&A will follow each presentation. Decisions regarding acceptance of presentations will be forthcoming no later than January 31, 2026. More information can be found at https://www.historicbrass.org/early-brass-festival-2026-call-for-proposals.
Please send proposals as email attachments (PDF or Word docx preferred) to Sandy Coffin at scoffintpt@historicbrass.org.
In addition to papers, the Early Brass Festival will include informal playing sessions, social events, and attendance at concerts of the Vintage Band Festival.
Additional information and updates about housing and registration will be posted after January 1, 2026 on the Historic Brass Society website: www.historicbrass.org
