From parades to political rallies, brass bands have long played a major part in public social gatherings. Some suggest that they arose from the French Revolution, as egalitarian-minded leaders organized musical extravaganzas for their citizens. Orchestras of wind instruments were assembled to perform republican anthems, as they were best suited for these outdoor events. However, another theory contends that brass bands emerged from the Industrial Revolution in Britain, when downtrodden laborers formed factory bands as a diversion from the trials of their work.
The prevalence and popularity of brass bands were cemented by two innovations in brass instrument design–the emergence of valve technology in the 1820s and the invention of the saxophone in the 1840s. Combined, these advances gave brass ensembles a more voluminous, appealing sound, and made brass instruments more accessible. This sparked a proliferation of brass ensembles throughout Europe.
As masses of European immigrants came to then United States in the latter half of the 19th century, brass bands also became an integral part of American culture. Brass band music was first introduced to the eastern United States in the 1850s through public concerts given by the Germania Serenade Band and the French conductor Antoine Jullien, who led brass bands in New York’s Castle Garden. At the same time, brass bands began to spring up in the Gold Rush towns of the West Coast. In South Carolina, an all-slave brass ensemble, called the Juvenile Brass Band, formed and toured the nation.
The American brass band phenomenon exploded during the Civil War as regimental ensembles marched along side Union and Confederate troops to entertain and provide moral support. Often, bands from opposing sides would engage in musical competitions. After the war, Patrick S. Gilmore, the man responsible for training the Union bands, organized huge peace concerts. In doing so, he showcased the great American concert band and established himself as America’s preeminent bandleader.
Following the end of the war and the Reconstruction Era brass bands became entrenched in New Orleans society. The African American community in the city organized lavish funeral marches in which brass bands played and integral part. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the American brass band movement entered its golden age. During that time, the legendary composer, John Phillips Sousa created stirring marches, most famously, “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” His compositions helped to establish brass band music as the first form of American popular music.
Today the strength and power provided by an upbeat brass band boldly playing a great march or inspiring melody still causes the human heart to leap; the toe to tap; and puts a bounce in the steps of all the people as the great sounds of music flow beautifully through the air and into the ears, hearts, and minds of any assembled crowd of people.
Strike up the band!
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