Monthly Archives: July 2019

In August 1858, 12 men, including 7 members of the Yreka Brass Band (John Murray, leader; I.G. Murray, W.I. Mayfield, John Garner, A.J. Starling and Louis Detarre) walked to (50 miles or so) and then ascended Mt Shasta, California, with … Continue reading →

There are thousands of photographs of bandsmen, and the occasional bandswoman, that are sadly totally anonymous. Most have no identifying features, either on their uniforms, instruments or the backgrounds, and only a chance comparison with another known picture can give … Continue reading →

I came across the first of these images “Our Prize Band” many years ago, and largely dismissed it as a humorous postcard, poking fun at bands, since then I have seen two other versions, in French and German, so the … Continue reading →

In September 1859 a “Grand Village Band Contest” was held in Loftus, a village on the North Yorkshire coast. John Hollingshead reported the event in “All the Year Round” later that year. A transcription of the report, together with some … Continue reading →

During the 1890s and early parts of the 20th century a type of band arose using kazoo-type instruments as an alternative to the more expensive (and harder to play) brass instruments. Zobo instruments, based on kazoo principles, were invented and … Continue reading →

I spent a fascinating few hours with Steve Hughes last week, discussing and examining the wealth of Besses o’ th’ Barn historical material he is working on. During that time I came across something I had not seen before – … Continue reading →

Brass Band Archive Recordings – a brief guide to recordings of brass bands in libraries, museums and other archives Brass bands are, of course, musical organisations first and foremost, and the bulk of their heritage is bound up in the … Continue reading →

The discovery of a letter, requesting the use of a field for a band festival in 1895, led me to recall details I had read of the Morpeth Monstre Band Festivals of the 1860s and 1870s. A non-competitive event with … Continue reading →

What is a “climax”? What is often the cause of sticky valves? Explain masculine and feminine rhythms? Name a common fault with trombone players? No – these aren’t elements of a Cosmopolitan agony aunt’s page, but four of the 340 … Continue reading →

As it is the marching season – with Whit Friday, various march contests, Durham Miners’ Gala, local parades, walking days etc. I’m sure that many players (especially bass players) would like to revert to the old days when bands processed … Continue reading →