When people speak about brass bands they are often referring to a musical group that consists of all brass instruments with a percussion section. There are actually several types of brass bands that are truly considered brass bands. The two brass bands we will examine are the British brass band and the New Orleans brass band. Each of these brass bands have special meanings and perform certain types of music.
The first brass band is to be considered is the British brass band. The type of music played by the British brass band is a traditional military music style fill and marching music. They also perform for Royal occasions that honor those who have extinguished themselves in the particular field of endeavor. The British brass band has a complement of 25 to 26 players (plus the percussion). The brass band consists of the following instruments:
• 1 Soprano Cornet in E
• 8 – 10 Cornets in B
• 1 Flugelhorn in B
• 3 Tenor Horns in E
• 2 Baritones in B
• 2 Euphoniums in B
• 2 Tenor Trombone (noted in B)
• 1 Bass Trombone
• 4 Tubas (2 in E and 2 in B)
• 2 or 3 percussion players (with 2 timpani, glockenspiel, snare drum, triangle cymbals and drum).
The second band to be considered is the New Orleans brass band. This band has a tradition dating back to the late 19th century and the early 20th century. In today’s music world, the New Orleans brass band plays a solid mixture of jazz, religious and honky-tonk music designed to entertain party goers. This style of music is gaining a popular following through the American and Western societies. The New Orleans brass band music can be considered a one of America greatest contribution to the world of music. The New Orleans band features various instruments. These instruments are listed as follows:
• Trumpets
• Trombones
• Saxophones
• Sousaphones
• Percussions
The music played by the New Orleans brass bands is a mixture between European-styled military band music and African folk music brought to America by the West African slaves. This style of music gave birth to what we experience as jazz. These bands are well known for their role in participating in the New Orleans jazz funeral services.
