Monthly Archives: February 2020

Reading through this week’s British Bandsman I noticed in the report on the upcoming Scottish Championships that the Scottish BBA, founded in 1895, believed itself to be “the oldest such organisation in Europe, as no other similar representative groups were … Continue reading →

The arrangement by Frank Wright for brass bands of Le Roi d’Ys is one of my “desert island discs”. In October 1971, when I was still new to brass bands, I was invited by our conductor, Fred Ingham, to go … Continue reading →

The Shotts Foundry Brass Band was founded in June 1829 and survived through to around 1960. A typical industrial “works” band, it provided entertainment for the workers at the iron works, and at one time was one of three brass … Continue reading →

A few years ago, I acquired two books of minutes of the old Llangollen Town Band. When they eventually reached the top of my “to do” pile, I scanned the books, contacted the current Llangollen Silver Band, and offered to … Continue reading →

Some months ago there was a brief discussion about which was the longest brass band name. I looked into my database and came up with the following top four from past and current bands: Alexandra Band of the Carriage and … Continue reading →

The Worcester Cornet Band, Massachusetts, was originally founded some time before 1852. It disbanded during the Civil War when most of the band signed up with the 15th Massachusetts Regiment Band for the duration of the hostilities. Nathum P. Goddard … Continue reading →

The Cambridge Albion Band was formed on November 18th 1921. During its short independent existence it only appeared to have entered one contest, at Kings Lynn in September 1926, winning first prize. It merged with the Cambridge Town Band in … Continue reading →

Brass bands in Africa have been in existence since the 19th century after the various colonial powers had established their presence across the continent. The history of such bands is very sketchy and limited, and the small amount of information … Continue reading →

Over the years there have been many outstanding child musicians who have excelled at their particular instrument(s). Some of these went on to become accomplished adult artists and/or composers, others disappeared in the mists of time. During the 19th century … Continue reading →

This band was active in 1853 through to the early 2000’s, when it finally disbanded following its move away from Todmorden to Rochdale. However its memory is being kept alive by past members of the band in a Facebook group: … Continue reading →