The San Francisco Brass Band (SFBB) is proud to announce their fourth place finish in the Championship Section of the North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) Championship competition. The event was held April 10 and 11 at the Grand Wayne Convention Center. Competing amongst seven other accomplished bands in the section, placing fourth especially distinguishes the band’s upward trajectory.
Over the past five years, SFBB has consistently improved in their rankings at NABBA competitions. After winning Second and First sections in 2023 and 2024 respectively, the band placed sixth in the highest-tier Championship section last year. After competing just two years in this section, it is quite remarkable that SFBB has secured their spot in the top half this year.
This year marked the first time SFBB director Dr. Jeff de Seriere led the band at a NABBA competition. His leadership has helped SFBB arrive well-prepared to play challenging repertoire at the highest level of artistry the band has yet accomplished.
SFBB founder Jacob Guilbeau remarks, “Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined placing fourth in Championship section in only our 5th year of competition. Considerable hard work and sacrifice went into this result from all the band and board members. Special thanks to our fabulous clinicians who
helped us this year, John Carnahan, Director of Bands at Cal State University, Long Beach, Bente Illevold, Euphonium Artist from Norway and Russell Gray, Music Director of the world famous Foden's Band of Cheshire, UK. Finally, special recognition to our new Music Director, Dr. Jeff de Seriere who without his leadership and music instincts none of this would be possible."
This past weekend, over 200 patrons joined us in Lafayette and Pleasanton for our Love Stories concerts! Audiences loved the band’s rich sound, the beautiful solo performances, and the debut of our new Solo Horn player, Edwin Cordoba. Thank you to everyone who came—we can’t wait to share more music with you soon!
We are thrilled to announce that our debut in the championship section at the North American Brass Band Championship in Fort Wayne last weekend was a huge success! Our music directors, Dr. Jeffrey de Seriere and Russell Gray, have prepared us well. We've come within reach of the top five and have solidly established ourselves at the highest level of brass banding in North America. We'll be back for more in future years!
Introducing our next Music Director, Dr. Jeff de Seriere! Dr. Jeff de Seriere (de-ser-eee-air) is the Director of Large Instrumental Ensembles at Cabrillo College, where he conducts the Symphonic Winds & Symphonic Orchestra, and teaches courses in music theory, music history, and chamber music. In 2024, he began his tenure as Music Director for Youth Orchestra Salinas (YOSAL) where he currently conducts the Overture Orchestra, Da Capo Orchestra, and the YOSAL Youth Symphony.
