A-Band

Founded in 1973, Brass Band Treize Etoiles is comprised of musicians chosen from the best village bands in Valais (Southern Switzerland) and is divided into two different bands : the A and the B-Band. Both take their name from the 13 stars on the flag of Valais.

The A-Band of Brass Band Treize Etoiles, conducted by Michel Barras from 1973 to 1977, Géo-Pierre Moren from 1977 to 2018 and since August 2018 by Frédéric Théodoloz, is one of the most decorated bands in Switzerland, as they have won the Swiss National Championship fourteen times (in 1978, 1979, 1983, 1986, 1989, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2014 and 2022), the Swiss Open Contest fourteen times (in 1990, 1991, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023), the European Open Contest three times (in 2000, 2001 and 2003), the Dutch Open Contest in 2011, the Swiss Entertainment Contest three times (in 1992, 1996 and 1998), the “Grand Prix” of Birmenstorf three times (in 1991, 1995 and 1997), as well as the first broadcasted contest “Swiss Brass”. Moreover, Brass Band Treize Etoiles was awarded “Swiss Band of the Year” in 1996, 1998, 2001, 2008,2010, 2012, 2014 and 2017.

The band has also obtained an impressive number of places of honour, such as 2nd place at the Dutch Open Contest in 1993 and a 5th place at the "All England Masters International" in 2006 and 2008. Brass Band Treize Etoiles has taken part in the European Brass Band Championship 14 times and placed second in 2009, third in 1980, 1999 and 2001, and fourth in 1979 and 1990. The Band has been crowned as World Champions at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade (NL) in July 2005 and Vice-Champions in 2009.

Brass Band Treize Etoiles, in addition to their different competition activities, has given numerous concerts in Valais, of course, but also in nearly all Swiss Cantons, as well as abroad.

They have had the opportunity to work with famous conductors such as M. Richard Evans, Major Peter Parkes, M. Howard Snell, Dr. James Gourlay, M. Garry Cutt and M. Reid Gilje.

B-Band

The B-Band of Brass Band Treize Etoiles was founded in Spring 1992. Many young and talented musicians wanted to play in the A-Band, but it was not possible to welcome them because of the limited number of players accepted into a band that competes at such prestigious contests as the National Championship or the Swiss Open. Therefore, Géo-Pierre Moren decided to found a second band to help these young musicians realize their dreams. This solution also provides a chance for the A-Band to easily replace missing or departed players. The decision to found a B-Band was made in April and, following an announcement in the papers, 57 musicians applied for the entering exams which took place in May and June. 30 of them were finally accepted and the first rehearsal was given on June 13th, 1992.

After the Summer-break, the rehearsals began again and, without losing time, the B-Band of Brass Band Treize Etoiles gave their first public performance on October 31st, 1992, at the traditional Autumn concert of the band.

Competing in First Section at the National Championship in Montreux, these enthusiastic young musicians placed 5th from 15 competing bands, a real achievement. One year later, in 1993, Brass Band Treize Etoiles B placed 2nd in Montreux and, in 1994 and 2002, placed 3rd. They won the “Thônex Brass Festival” (entertainment contest opened to First Section bands) in 1995 and 1996.

The musicians in this band average 18 years old and the Brass Band 13 Étoiles formation B was also directed successively by Géo-Pierre Moren, Cédric Vergère and Éric Fournier. Since August 2020, Lionel Fumeaux has been in charge of the band.