Right after his voyage (to London?) Arban begins to prepare himself for the annual trumpet contest, but when auditions start November 16, 1843, he is absent. Auber, who keeps punctilious control, notes in his book that Arban was ill on that day. Arban must have felt quite sure of himself, because next year, in spite of the oncoming examinations, he asks for and is granted another leave on April 20 till July 1st, 1844, to go to London. So again he is absent during the auditions of the 1st semester on June 14, 1844. Yet he is allowed to take part in the contest, owing to an excellent report from his teacher Mr. Dauverné: « Arban: this pupil is doing very well and can be admitted to this year's contest. The director granted him permission to leave for London for business purposes until July 1st ».
On Tuesday December 9, 1844 nineteen year old Arban ascends the Conservatoire platform to present his programme, in particular a composition called « Solo », written by Dauverné expressly for the contest.
This first performance secured him — apparently according to custom — the 2nd prize (first being 24 year old Jean-Jacques Edmond Dubois). These annual trumpet competitions, initiated in 1835, have continued till the present day.
So Arban goes on with his Dauverné lessons: two hours every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. In spite of his eagerness (Arban is very ambitious!), he asks and obtains leave again to go to London (March 27 – July 1st, 1845), which does not prevent him from acquiring the first prize at the contest right afterwards! (second: J. H. L. Cerclier, who succeeded Dauverné as a trumpet teacher after his death in 1869). The only three competitors admitted to the contest were Arban, Cerclier and « Luigini (Etranger) » (sic). The competition piece was again the « Solo » by Dauverné.