Early Brass Festival 2026

July 31–Aug 2, in Northfield MN

The Historic Brass Society will be hosting their Early Brass Festival, being held in conjunction with the 20^th 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 250^th Anniversary of the United States of America, as it relates to early brass and wind band history, are also encouraged.

UPDATE: The deadline for proposals has been extended to January 15, 2026.

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 February 15, 2026.

Please send proposals as email attachments (PDF or Word docx preferred) to Sandy Coffin at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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   

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