The Sociology of Wind Bands

The Sociology of Wind Bands provides a sociological account of this musical universe. Based on a qualitative and quantitative survey conducted in north-eastern France, the authors present a vivid description of the orchestras, the backgrounds and practices of their musicians, and the repertoires they play. Their multi-level analysis sheds new light on the social organisation, meanings and functions of a type of music. They propose an imaginative and balanced framework which, beyond the specific case of wind music, is an innovative contribution to the sociology of lowbrow culture.