Music is the universal language that brings people from different parts of the world together. Different bands from different parts of Norway come together for this prestigious and big event called the NM Brass Championships (Norges Mesterskap). The Norwegian Championship for brass is held every year in Grieghallen in Bergen. Close to 2500 musicians from 70 bands participate, divided into six divisions by levels. The championship is open to all amateur bands with a brass band crew that are members of the Norwegian Band Federation, called The NMF. NMF nominates the winner of the championship as a Norwegian participant in the following year`s European brass band championship.  Band leaders and members work hard by putting in extra days and hours practising, organising seminars and pre-concerts to prepare and be ready for the championship. This event brings the spirit of togetherness, sense of belonging and mastering something together through dedication. All of this, including team work and working towards the same goal as a band, are Pulse values. Music brings the world together and in Pulse we are stronger together.  Two of the Pulse participants from South Africa staying in Bergen, Bongani Goliath and Martin Sibiya will be taking part in this prestigious event, performing with one of the bands in Bergen (Lyshornet Brass).  They have been practicing with the band since last year, also participating in the band concerts and the Christmas concert. This will be their first time performing at the Norwegian Championship. The Norwegian Championship (NM Brass) is held Friday to Saturday the second week of February by Norgers Musikkorps Forbund. The competitions are open to public and Saturday night of the championship is traditionally ended with the Brass night for participants, organizers and the public.

Written by: Bongani Goliath

Photo by: Martin Sibiya and NM Brass web page