British Brass Bands had their genesis in the mid-19^th century in British coal mining towns where they were frequently sponsored by the local industry, the colliery, or coal mining company as a form of entertainment for their employees. Traditionally they were all brass but in the mid-20^th century percussion was added. The Brits take their brass bands pretty seriously and numerous competitions are held annually throughout England, and elsewhere.

By definition a Brass Band has 25 brass pieces, up to 3 percussionists, and a conductor. In Britain this includes 1 soprano cornet, 9 cornets, 1 flugelhorn, 3 tenor horns, 2 baritones, 2 euphoniums, 2 trombones, 1 base trombone, 2 E^b tubas, and 2 B^b tubas. All of the instruments, except the trombones, have a “conical” bore, i.e., if you unwound the tubing most of the length would be in the shape of a cone, unlike a more familiar trumpet where most of the length is cylindrical. This gives the band a unique darker and mellower sound than we Americans may be used to. I like it -- a lot!

Brass bands play in lots of venues. We’ve heard them play in concert halls, parks, hotel ball rooms, even a gazebo in a recreated turn of the century, twentieth century that is, Iowa rural town. Most of these have been simply concerts but we’ve also attended competitions including the North American Brass Band Association Championships and the U. S. Open Brass Band Championship. My wife and I have had the privilege of hearing some of the United States’ best bands and some of the best that Britain and Norway have to offer.

The pages below contain information about some of our favorite bands, events, and music.