Post by Hayesmusic on Jun 19, 2005 9:21:58 GMT -5
During the first quarter of the nineteenth century early brass bands were made up of both woodwind and brass instruments, formed on the pattern of the military band. A typical band consisted of the following instruments: a trumpet, a bugle, two french horns, a serpent, two bassoons, a bass horn, four flutes, four clarinets, cymbal, drum and triangle.
With the introduction of valves for brass instruments from the 1840s it became possible for a band to consist entirely of brass and percussion. At the same time the expansion of the railways provided cheap and easy travel, with the result that contesting became an important part of the brass band movement.
The first big contest was held at Belle Vue in Manchester in 1853 with eight bands taking part. In 1860 the first London contest took place at the Crystal Palace attended by 170 bands. By the end of the century it is estimated that there were over 20,000 bands in existence.
British brass bands have always been amateur organizations and have traditionally raised their own funds.
I have always been a keen fan of brass bands, ever since my childhood days with Bedford Town Band.
If you are in a brass band then tell us about it - the highs and lows, gigs, do you have a webpage? etc......
With the introduction of valves for brass instruments from the 1840s it became possible for a band to consist entirely of brass and percussion. At the same time the expansion of the railways provided cheap and easy travel, with the result that contesting became an important part of the brass band movement.
The first big contest was held at Belle Vue in Manchester in 1853 with eight bands taking part. In 1860 the first London contest took place at the Crystal Palace attended by 170 bands. By the end of the century it is estimated that there were over 20,000 bands in existence.
British brass bands have always been amateur organizations and have traditionally raised their own funds.
I have always been a keen fan of brass bands, ever since my childhood days with Bedford Town Band.
If you are in a brass band then tell us about it - the highs and lows, gigs, do you have a webpage? etc......