The United States currently has numerous genres of instrumental music, but perhaps the least recognized of these is the brass band. Through better understanding its origin, how it was received in American society, and what other band genres existed and emerged during its development, we can begin to understand the brass band’s lack of recognition in the States. After providing background on the genre of the brass band, its function in society, past and present societal beliefs on music, and the development of other band genres, research will show how these factors impacted the popularity of the brass band. Research will propose that changes in the function of brass bands, societal beliefs, and the emergence of other band genres in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries led to a decline in the popularity of brass bands in the United States.
A brass band consists of only brass instruments and percussion. The terms “military band” and “New Orleans band” are often used interchangeably with brass band, but there is a distinct difference between these mediums: military and New Orleans bands use woodwind instruments in addition to brass and percussion; brass bands only use brass and percussion. As a result, the brass band has a unique sound unlike that of orchestras, military or New Orleans bands, and wind bands. J. H. Elliot describes the brass band sound as “somber” yet still as “dignified and impressive” as other instrumental genres. He also praises the brass bands’ capability of shifting from a “brilliant and incisive to the veiled and smooth” sound. Others find the brass band sound unrefined and offensive, as implied by H.C. Moule: “They [the average British audience] would rather hear a brass band playing fortissimo than...
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...n oral history of the brass band, so much of the information will most likely not have been documented. Looking through the book, there are many pictures that will help put images with the text.
Vincent, Charles. The Brass Band and How to Write For It. London: The Vincent Music Company, 1908.
This book by Charles Vincent is very informative about brass bands and the instruments comprising them. It has a chapter on each instrument, including their range and various other characteristics. In addition, there are chapters on arranging, transposition, and how to properly balance the ensemble. Found in the library.
Wright, Denis. Scoring for Brass Band. London: Baker, 1967.
This book touches on aspects of the brass band such as instrumentation, arranging, transcribing, and characteristics of each instrument. It is small but has a great deal of information.
Peyser, J. (1986) The Orchestra: Origins and Transformations. New York: Charles Scribner’s and Sons. Sadie, S. (1980) New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians.
The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, ed. Stanley Sadie, 20 vols. (London: Macmillan, 1980)9: 708-709
For many Americans, country isn’t just a type of music. It’s a lifestyle. From sippin’ sweet tea on the porch, drinking beer at a tailgate or driving a pick up down the backroads, country music has made its way into the hearts and minds of many Americans. It is one of the only truly home grown American art forms. Its relatability and wide appeal has made country music one of the most commercially successful and popular genres in the United States. Using the work of scholars Tichi, Pecknold, and Ellison, I will show how country music grew from its rural southern roots into an integral part of American culture.
Yarberry, G.A. (1979). An overview of the past, present and future of the band movementin America. Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, 14(2), 1-9.
At one point during the fighting there were 39 band leaders in the army. Glen Miller, whose infectious hits like “In the Mood” epitomized the war years, disbanded his own hugely successful [jazz] orchestra, enlisted, and formed an all-star air force unit that some believe was the best band he ever had – and died in 1944 when his airplane disappeared over the English channel.” With the capitol of many bandleaders declining It became inevitable that in order to progress, the jazz ensemble would have to become smaller. Musicians that were not enlisted, but out of work, began to meet up at local clubs and perform, and were often unpaid, but happy to at least be able to play with other musicians. By this time a major change in jazz was afoot, and a young trumpet player named Dizzy Gillespie formed his own small prototype group at the Onyx Club in New York.
The International Cyclopedia of Music and Musicians, ed. Oscar Thompson, 10th ed. (New York: Dodd, Mead and Co.)1968-1993
Instruments like the English horn can be found in popular music, while the bassoon may only be found in traditional and ensemble music. There are, however, composers and musicians who explore the use of these instruments in esoteric and unconventional ways. One way to think of the woodwind family is the various instruments mimicking (representing) the human voice such as a clarinet for an alto singer, or a bassoon for a baritone singer. Many modern composer look at this group of instruments in exactly that
The brass instruments in the background are played in ostinato form. This piece was written by Puerto Rican Juan Tizol, who played the trombone solo. Cootie Williams would later improvise on the piece, coming up with his own version of "Caravan."
Marching Bands: Brass Bands spread through out the area of New Orleans making this the birthplace of this original sound. Many would gather just to hear the smooth melodies that these bands had to play. Many bands were composed of such talented artist that eventually went on to make their own music. These musicians went on to play their distinct instruments in such a profound way that spoke to the soul. They played melodies and added vocals to speak on certain things within this time. Hence the birth of early jazz. Marching Bands take origin from as far back as the Civil War. During this time ...
Music’s role on society has changed drastically through the course of its history as it has become ever so increasingly expansive. Many of the previous musical movements were only for the wealthy as entertainment
Throughout history, music have defined or depicted the culture and social events in America. Music has constantly played an important role in constituting American culture, where people have expressed themselves through music during flourishing and turbulent times. In the 1930’s, Swing music created a platform for audiences to vent their emotions in the midst of Great Depression and political unrest. Such strong relationship between music and culture can be seen throughout history, especially in the sixties.
Music can be traced back into human history to prehistoric eras. To this day archeologists uncover fragments of ancient instruments as well as tablets with carved lyrics buried alongside prominent leaders and highly influential people. This serves as a testament to the importance and power of music, as well as its influence in society. Over its many years of existence, music’s powerful invocation of feelings has allowed it to evolve and serve many purposes, one being inspiring change. American journalist and author Hunter S. Thompson once said, “Music has always been a matter of energy to me, a question of fuel. Sentimental people call it inspiration, but what they really mean is fuel.” This fuel is the very things that powers the influence of Rock ‘n’ Roll on American society, that author Glenn C. Altschuler writes about in his book, “All Shook Up – How Rock ‘n’ Roll Changed America.” Between 1945 and 1965 Rock ‘n’ Roll transformed American society and culture by helping to ease racial integration and launch a sexual revolution while most importantly developing an intergenerational identity.
In conclusion this report has helped us understand the significance of Music in America. Also, the impact it has on music we listen too. Music is very much like a big chain reaction. Rock ‘N’ Roll, much like music today, stood out and was in a way rebellious. Parents now hate Rap and we love it. People in the 70’s loved Rock ‘N’ Roll and parents hated it. This shows that maybe no matter how much older people deny it, the time gap and generation gap is not too far apart. Without Rock ‘N’ Roll the World would without a doubt be changed. Any guess to that of which way would be a good one.
New Orleans has always been a big music town, for there has always been brass bands that played in the streets for parades, or for families to give comfort during a funeral.... ... middle of paper ... ... (The Influence of Jazz & Blues on Modern Music.”).
The brass plays an ascending sequence, followed by pizzicato notes played by the strings, and an ascending and descending scale on the harp. Strings and oboe play the rhythmic melody, whilst the trumpet plays fanfares in syncopation. The oboe is then replaced by the flute. There is an ascending scale played by the strings, then the brass section repeats the string and oboe melody with cymbal crashes at cadence points. The orchestra then plays a loud melody with cymbal crashes and drum rolls. There is an interrupted cadence, followed by crescendo with cymbal crashes and a brass ostinato. The piece ends with a perfect cadence.