Brass Bands of the World: Militarism, Colonial Legacies, and Local Music Making

Bands structured around western wind instruments are among the most widespread instrumental ensembles in the world. Although these ensembles draw upon European military traditions that spread globally through colonialism, militarism and missionary work, local musicians worldwide have adapted the brass band prototype to their various home settings for a variety of functions. This study engages three broad but overlapping themes: the military heritage of the band world and its expansion through Europe and beyond; the processes of localization of the military band model; and bands as arenas of musical instruction and community music making.