What is a brass band? Brass bands date back to the early nineteenth century and England's Industrial Revolution. With increasing urbanization, employers began to finance work bands to decrease the political activity which the working classes seemed preoccupied during their leisure time. Thus, the brass band tradition was founded. Discussions have always ensued as to which band was founded first. Two bands with the longest traditions are the Bessies O' The Barn Brass Band and the Black Dyke Mills Brass Band.

One of the most interesting aspects of a brass band is the importance of every member of the ensemble. Few parts are doubled, requiring each member to know their part and present it in the appropriate manner. There is no where to hide in a brass band.

The cornet section is the largest section of the band. Traditionally parts are divided into:

E flat Soprano Cornet--it covers the highest parts of the music. It is frequently used as a soloist and to add brightness to the band's sound.

B flat Solo Cornets--are the lead voices. Depending on the piece of music, they can either switch off on parts or have their own part to cover.

B flat Second Cornets and Third Cornets--are used to fill out the section

B flat Repiano Cornet--is often used as a solo or doubles the Soprano in unison or in octaves.

B flat Flugelhorn--serves as a bridge from the cornets to the Tenor Horns. It frequently is used as a solo.

E flat Tenor Horns (Solo, First and Second)--often perform together with the flugelhorn and the baritones. The Solo is a frequent soloist. These horns are often referred to as Alto Horns.

B flat Baritones--are often doubled with the Euphoniums. They also work as extensions of the Tenor Horns. Their ability to blend the middle to low voices adds to the uniqueness of the brass band sound.

B flat Euphoniums--are the main solo tenor voices and also work with the basses.

B flat Tenor Trombones and B flat Bass Trombone--because of their cylindrical construction they provide punch to the ensemble.

E flat Tubas and B flat Tubas--give flexibility in the sound of the bass part. The lighter quality of the E-flats fits in well with the Euphoniums, while the lower B-flats add weight.

Percussionists--cover the entire spectrum of percussion instruments.