This book was originally published in 1998. For most of the nineteenth and the early part of the twentieth century, the brass band was a major feature of musical life in Britain. This book surveys the hundred years from 1836 in which bands flourished, examining their origins in the village bands of the nineteenth century, the culture of banding competitions that developed and the manner in which this fostered the growth and success of bands. Roy Newsome charts the impact of social and economic change on amateur bands during this period. The influence of classical music, in particular opera, on early band music is also examined. The latter part of the book looks in detail at the original music written for brass bands by composers such as Holst, Elgar and Bliss, as well as pieces written by prominent band leaders.

This book was originally published in 1998. For most of the nineteenth and the early part of the twentieth century, the brass band was a major feature of musical life in Britain. This book surveys the hundred years from 1836 in which bands flourished, examining their origins in the village bands of the nineteenth century, the culture of banding competitions that developed and the manner in which this fostered the growth and success of bands. Roy Newsome charts the impact of social and economic change on amateur bands during this period. The influence of classical music, in particular opera, on early band music is also examined. The latter part of the book looks in detail at the original music written for brass bands by composers such as Holst, Elgar and Bliss, as well as pieces written by prominent band leaders.

Following Roy Newsome's highly acclaimed study Brass Roots: One Hundred Years of Brass Bands and their Music, this book takes up the story of bands and their development from the 1930s to the start of the new millennium. Brass band contests continued to play a significant role in the twentieth century, and this new book contains a detailed consideration of both local and regional contests and larger-scale national events such as the British Open and the National Brass Band Championships. As in previous times, the repertoire of bands has been greatly influenced by these contests. Newsome explores competition works, but also the development of an increasing number of concerto-style works intended for concert performance. One of the keys to the continuing popularity and success of the banding movement has been the creation of school and youth brass bands. Sections of the book devoted to younger generations of band players examine the changes that have taken place in such bands. There is also an investigation of the impact of radio, television and commercial recording on the brass band industry. The book also contains a wealth of information about leading bands and band personalities, and concludes with an overview of the spread of interest in British-style banding overseas.

Following Roy Newsome's highly acclaimed study Brass Roots: One Hundred Years of Brass Bands and their Music, this book takes up the story of bands and their development from the 1930s to the start of the new millennium. Brass band contests continued to play a significant role in the twentieth century, and this new book contains a detailed consideration of both local and regional contests and larger-scale national events such as the British Open and the National Brass Band Championships. As in previous times, the repertoire of bands has been greatly influenced by these contests. Newsome explores competition works, but also the development of an increasing number of concerto-style works intended for concert performance. One of the keys to the continuing popularity and success of the banding movement has been the creation of school and youth brass bands. Sections of the book devoted to younger generations of band players examine the changes that have taken place in such bands. There is also an investigation of the impact of radio, television and commercial recording on the brass band industry. The book also contains a wealth of information about leading bands and band personalities, and concludes with an overview of the spread of interest in British-style banding overseas.