The Brass band is an ensemble made from a range of brass instruments and percussion. 

 

The modern form of the brass band in the U.K. dates back to the 19th century and was connected to local industry and commnities.

 

The Stalybridge Old Band (still in existance) was formed in 1809 and was perhaps the first brass band in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another name for a "brass band" was "silver band". Instruments in a brass band were made from brass and lacquered whilst instruments in a silver band were silver plated.  As silver plated instruments were more expensive, the term "silver band" implied a band that could afford them and therefore a more successful band. Most silver bands ame from the south of England and most brass bands came from the north. These days the costs of the instruments are about the same. 

 

Most brass bands were formed as a consequence of the Industrial Revolution, which saw improvements in the design of the instruments (e.g. the invention of the piston valve) and new communities around the many coal mines and other heavy industry. Bands from the coal mining areas include Grimethorpe Colliery Band and Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band. Bands sponsored by factories include The Black Dyke Mills Band (a wool mill), The Yorkshire Imperial Band (orriginally the Yorkshire Copperworks Band), Foden's (truck manufacturer), Fairey (aircraft manufacturer) and Leyland Band (car manufacturer).  

 

In 1853 John Jennison, the owner of Belle Vue Zoological Gardens in Manchester, agreed to stage the first British Open Brass Band Championships. The event was attended by a crowd of over 16,000 and continued every year until 1981. Throughout the year brass bands take part in a number of competitions (called contests) and, just like football clubs, each band is in one of a number of leagues (called sections). The best bands are in the Championship Section.

 

Salvation Army brass bands have run parallel to the main brass band movement since the 1870s. Salvation Army Bands range from small church bands to staff bands composed of the best Salvation Army bandsmen in the area. Salvation Army Bands can be found in most countries around the world in which it operates.

 

One of the main advantages of the brass

band is that it is portable and capable of

playing at any time and anywhere, even

on the march. Marching and outdoor

functions have been associated with the

brass band for well over a century. The

bandstand became popular in the

Victorian era, typically associated with

the British brass band or military band.

It is a simple construction which provides

shelter from the weather.