Orkestar Zirkonium, Seattle

Balkan Brass Band or Chochek (Serbian: Труба, trumpet) is a distinctive style of music^[1] originating in 19th century Serbia when trumpeters in the military transposed folk music during harsh times.^[2] It is popular throughout the Balkans, especially Serbia, Macedonia and Bulgaria. The beats are usually fast and accompanied by kolo (dance). The performers each have their instrument of the orchestra and are called trubači (трубачи). The best known examples of acclaimed music in this style are from Goran Bregović and Boban Marković Orkestar. The Serbian film maker Emir Kusturica has, through his films (Black Cat, White Cat), made the style popular in the international community outside the Balkans.

The biggest brass band event in the world the Guča Trumpet Festival is a 5-day annual festival with 300,000 visitors, in Guča, Serbia.^[3]

History[link]

According to many scholars Balkan Brass Bands are imitations of Mehter music of Ottoman Empire which then evolved in modern Ottoman military bands in 19th century. The eastern melancholic soul of the music is from the oriental melodies which can be seen still today in Turkish clarinet solos. The music's tradition stems from the First Serbian Uprising led by Karageorge (Serbian revolution) when Serbs rebelled against the occupying Ottoman Empire, eventually liberating Serbia after 345 years (Serbian Despotate was conquered by June 20, 1459). The trumpet was used as a military instrument to wake and gather soldiers and announce battles, the trumpet took on the role of entertainment during downtime, as soldiers used it to transpose popular folk songs. When the war ended, the soldiers returned to the rural life; the music entered civilian life and eventually became a common musical style, accompanying births, baptisms, weddings, Slavas (family patron saint day), farewell parties for those joining military service, state and church festivals, harvesting, reaping, and also departing this world. In 1831 the first official military band was formed by Prince Miloš. Roma have adopted the tradition and enhanced the music.

Instrumentation[link]

A brass band is primarily made up of a large number of musicians playing brass instruments such as flugelhorns, trumpets, alto horns, helicons, euphoniums, tenor horns, tubas, baritone horns and sometimes trombones. Percussion is provided by snare drum and bass drums, traditionally davuls (also known as tapan or goč) carried by the performers.

The music is usually instrumental although sometimes accompanied with singing. Common song forms include the čoček and the Kolo.

Modern styles[link]

Balkan Brass music has had a major impact on the world music scene. Introduced to western audiences through the films of Emir Kusturica featuring soundtracks by Goran Bregovic, it soon spread to European dancefloors spearheaded by DJ Robert Soko's "Balkan Beats" parties in Berlin, Germany.

Traditional bands from the Balkans like the Boban Marković Orkestar and from Romania as Fanfare Ciocărlia garnered worldwide attention while new bands like New York-based Balkan Beat Box or the Amsterdam Klezmer Band fused the Balkan sound with other genres like Klezmer or Ska. DJs and producers, most prominently Shantel from Germany, successfully mixed Balkan Brass with electronic beats.

Festivals[link]

• Guča trumpet festival, largest trumpet festival in the world, every year for five days.^[3]
• Balkan Trafik, a yearly three-day Balkan Brass festival in Brussels, Belgium.^[4]
• Zlatne Uste Golden Festival, a yearly two-day festival in New York City.^[5]

Balkan brass band music in the cinema[link]

• Time of the Gypsies (Dom za vešanje), 1988, Emir Kusturica
• Underground, 1995, Emir Kusturica
• Black Cat, White Cat, 1998, Emir Kusturica
• Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, 2006
• Trumpets' Republic, 2006, Stefano Missio and Alessandro Gori
• Guca!, 2006, Dusan Milic

Notable Balkan brass bands[link]

• Boban Marković
• Goran Bregović
• Kočani Orkestar
• Fanfare Ciocărlia
• Demiran Ćerimović Orchestra
• Fejat Sejdić
• Željko Bebek
• Zlatne Uste
• Slavic Soul Party!
• Raya Brass Band
• Orkestar Zirkonium, Seattle
• Aistaguca (UK)

See also[link]

• Mehter
• Balkan Music

References[link]

1. ^ nationalgeographic.com
2. ^ http://books.google.se/books?id=eFVjMocptcYC
3. ^ ^{a b} http://gucasabor.com/en/history.html
4. ^ http://www.myspace.com/balkantrafikfestival
5. ^ http://www.zlatneuste.org/Golden_f.htm

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (July 2007)

A brass band is a musical ensemble generally consisting entirely of brass instruments, most often with a percussion section. Ensembles that include brass and woodwind instruments can in certain traditions also be termed brass bands (particularly in the context of New Orleans-style brass bands), but are usually more correctly termed military bands, concert bands, wind bands or 'brass and reed' bands.

Derivations[link]

Balkan[link]

Balkan Brass Band (Serbian: Труба, trumpet) is a distinctive style of music^[1] originating in 19th century Balkans when Roma trumpeters influenced by Turkish marching bands transposed Folk music into brass.^[2] It is popular throughout the Balkans, especially Serbia, Macedonia and Bulgaria. The beats are usually fast and accompanied by kolo (dance). The performers each have their instrument of the orchestra and are called trubači (трубачи). The best known examples of acclaimed music in this style are from Goran Bregović and Boban Marković Orkestar. The Serbian film maker Emir Kusturica has, through his films (Black Cat, White Cat), made the style popular in the international community outside the Balkans.

British-style[link]

Hunters' Chorus from ''The Lily of Killarney'' Brass band arrangement of the Hunters' Chorus from The Lily of Killarney using period instruments. During the 19th century, brass bands began to spring up throughout Europe and America. Popular music, including operas, were arranged for them by composers and music sellers eager to cash in on the free advertising they provided. Problems listening to this file? See media help.

A British brass band marching

A brass band in the British tradition with a full complement of 28 players^[3] (including percussion) consists of:

• 1 Soprano Cornet in E♭
• 8-10 Cornets in B♭ (in separate parts for 'Solo', 'Repiano', 2nd and 3rd cornets; there are 4/5 players on the 'Solo' part, one 'Repiano', two 2nd, and two 3rd)
• 1 Flugelhorn in B♭ (notated on the same part as the 'Repiano' in some older music)
• 3 Horns in E♭ (called Solo, 1st and 2nd)
• 2 Baritones in B♭ (Each with separate parts)
• 2 Tenor Trombones (notated in B♭, playing separate parts)
• 1 Bass Trombone (the only brass instrument in the band notated in Concert Pitch (C), rather than in B♭ or E♭)
• 2 Euphoniums in B♭ (Usually playing the same part with divisi sections)
• 4 Tubas (2 in E♭ and 2 in B♭; often called Basses)
• 2 or 3 percussion players (with 2 or more timpani, glockenspiel, snare drum, triangle, cymbals, a drum kit and more)

• 

  Soprano cornet

• 

  Cornet

• 

  Flugelhorn

• 

  Horn in Eb

• 

  Baritone

• 

  Tenor trombone

• 

  Bass trombone

• 

  Euphonium

• 

  Tuba

With the exception of the trombones, all of the brass are conical-bore instruments, which gives the British-style brass band its distinctive bright, mellow sound (as opposed to a dark symphonic sound). All parts apart from the Bass Trombone and percussion are now written in Treble Clef.

Brass bands have a long tradition of competition between bands, often based around local industry and communities. In the 1930s brass bands thrived most with around 20,000 brass bands in the U.K.^{[citation needed]} British-style brass bands are widespread throughout Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Norway and continental Europe and are also found in North America. Annual competitions are held in these countries to select champion bands at various levels of musical competence.

The Salvation Army, part of the Christian church, has deployed brass bands since 1878 and they continue to be an integral part of that organisation. The most well-known Salvation Army brass band is The International Staff Band which is based in London. Salvation Army bands vary considerably in size and complement as they are based on the local personnel available, some being as small as 6-8 members. The cornet section of a Salvation Army band does not include a 'Repiano' and instead of 2nd & 3rd cornets there are 1st & 2nd cornets. A Salvation Army band may have 3-6 tenor horns, 2-4 baritones and 2-6 tenor trombones. Salvation Army bands have a local tradition of training children in brass playing from an early age (starting at 7–8 years old). In larger Salvation Army churches there will often be a Junior Band for children (7–18 years old) as well as a Senior Band for adults.

New Orleans[link]

The Spirit of New Orleans Brass Band performs at the French Quarter Festival, New Orleans, Louisiana, 11 April 2008.

The tradition of brass bands in New Orleans, Louisiana dates to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Traditionally, New Orleans brass bands could feature various instrumentations, often including trumpets, trombones, saxophones, sousaphones and percussion. The music played by these groups was often a fusion between European-styled military band music and African folk music brought to the Americas by west African slaves and the idiom played a significant role in the development of traditional jazz. Early brass bands include the Eureka Brass Band, the Onward Brass Band, the Excelsior Brass Band, the Tuxedo Brass Band, the Young Tuxedo Brass Band, the Camelia Brass Band, and the Olympia Brass Band.

The Treme Brass Band, while not as old, has members who have been influential throughout New Orleans Brass Band music, as well as being renowned in its own right.

A well-known use of these bands is for the New Orleans jazz funeral.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the New Orleans brass band tradition experienced a renaissance, with bands breaking away from traditional stylings and adding elements of funk, hip hop, and bop to their repertoires. Some notable exponents of this style of brass band include Soul Rebels Brass Band, Rebirth Brass Band, the Stooges Brass Band, the Hot 8 Brass Band, the Lil Rascals Brass Band, Youngblood Brass Band and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Also, a number of groups outside the United States have begun playing this style of music.

The style of the music is often characterized by the use of the sousaphone in place of a bass violin to play the bass-line. The sousaphone may play a traditional jazz walking bass-line or groove on a riff. Trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and other horns play melodies and harmonies loosely over the bass-line. Often the lines are greatly embellished with improvisation. A typical setup includes two percussionists, one playing a marching bass drum and another playing a snare drum and a cymbal (the snare drummer often switches to a drum kit when not marching). Many variations on this exist, including the use of additional percussionists, cymbals, drums and whistles.

The style has moved beyond New Orleans and can now be found in such places as Japan with the Black Bottom Brass Band; the Netherlands with the Happy Feet and the Hurricane brass bands; Scotland with the Criterion Brass Band; Phoenix, Arizona with the Bad Cactus Brass Band; Boston, Massachusetts with the Hot Tamale Brass Band; Tennessee with Halfbrass; Minnesota with the Jack Brass Band; Missouri with the Funky Butt Brass Band; Georgia with the Half Dozen Brass Band; Cincinnati, Ohio with The Cincy Brass; and Madison, Wisconsin with the Mama Digdown's and Youngblood brass bands.

Polynesia[link]

Founded in 1836 by King Kamehameha III, the Royal Hawaiian Band is the second oldest and only full-time municipal band in the United States. In recent generations, unique brass band traditions have also developed in Tonga, Samoa, and other parts of Polynesia, as well as among the Māori of New Zealand. Some recordings are now available and these styles are beginning to be researched and promoted abroad through band tours.

Festivals around the world[link]

One festival featuring brass bands is the Tarragona international dixieland festival, in Catalonia, Spain. The organisation programs not only dixieland brass bands but also ethnic or world music brass bands from over the world, including the Dirty Dozen Brass Band from the USA, Boban Marković Orkestar from Serbia, the Jaipur Kawa Brass Band from India and Taraf Goulamas from Occitania France.

In the United States the Great American Brass Band Festival has been held annually in Danville, Kentucky for the past 18 years. This event, held in early June, attracts brass band lovers from the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

The North American Brass Band Association sponsors an annual convention that provides member bands with the opportunity to compete in a contest format similar to those conducted in the United Kingdom and Europe.

In Boston, and Seattle a series of festivals called HONK! bring together Street Brass Bands (and other related ensembles) from the United States and Canada, and some bands from other parts of the world. The groups presented include Balkan Brass Bands, New Orleans brass bands, Political Action Bands, Klezmer, and "DIY" Alternative / Radical Community Bands.

See also[link]

• Soul Rebels Brass Band
• Bestwood Welfare Black Diamonds Brass Band
• Black Dyke Mills Band
• Brass Band Buizingen
• Brass quintet
• Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band
• Foden's Band
• Grimethorpe Colliery Band
• The Harrogate Band
• International Staff Band of the Salvation Army
• Landrake Band
• Leyland Band
• Maidenhead Citadel Band of the Salvation Army
• Marching band
• Reg Vardy Band
• North York Temple Band of The Salvation Army
• Silver bands in County Fermanagh
• The Band Of The Royal Regiment Of New Zealand Artillery - The NZ Artillery Band
• Tapton Youth Brass Band
• Music of Tonga
• Music of Samoa
• Music of Polynesia
• Māori music
• Buraban
• Chalk Farm Band of the Salvation Army
• The City of Wolverhampton Brass Band
• Lanner and District Silver Band
• Banda Music
• Onchan Silver Band
• Helston Town Band
• Vena Mills Band
• Hungry March Band
• HONK!
• Brass Instruments
• Eastern Iowa Brass Band
• Tarragona international dixieland festival in Catalonia, Spain.
• Central Park Brass
• Flowers Brass Band
• Triangle Brass Band
• Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass

Brass band composers[link]

• Adrian Drover
• Alan Fernie
• Arthur Butterworth
• Bram Tovey
• Brian Bowen
• Bruce Fraser
• Darrol Barry
• Dean Goffin
• Dean Jones
• Derek Bourgeois
• Derek Broadbent
• Edward Gregson
• Eric Ball
• Erik Leidzen
• George Allen
• Goff Richards
• Gordon Langford
• Frederik Magle
• Henry James Metcalfe
• Herb Alpert
• James McFadyen
• John McCabe
• Kenneth Downie
• Leslie Condon
• Marcus Venables
• Martin Cordner
• Martin Ellerby
• Nigel Clarke
• Norman Bearcroft
• Ørjan Matre
• Paul Lovatt-Cooper
• Peter Graham
• Peter Meechan
• Philip Harper
• Philip Sparke
• Philip Wilby
• Ray Steadman-Allen
• Robert Redhead
• Rodney Newton
• Ted Huggens
• Torstein Aagaard-Nilsen
• William Himes
• William Rimmer
• William F Saunders

Brass band arrangers (not composers)[link]

• Alan Fernie
• Adrian Drover

Brass band publishers[link]

This unreferenced section requires citations to ensure verifiability.

• Francis Clifford Publishing
• Adios Music
• Band Press VOF
• De Haske
• Devilish Publishing
• Elms Publishing
• Faber Music
• Gramercy Music
• JAGRINS
• Kantaramusik
• Kirklees Music
• Maverick Music
• PLC Music
• Prima Vista Musikk
• Salvationist Publishing and Supplies
• SJS Music
• Studio Music
• Wright & Round

Brass band instrument manufacturers, historical and present[link]

• C.G. Conn, Ltd. and Conn^[4]
• Boston Musical Instrument Company^[4]
• Graves and Sons^[5]
• E.G. Wright and Company^[5]
• Hall and Quinby^[6]
• E.A. Couturier^[4]
• The Standard Band Instrument Company^[4]
• Boosey and Hawkes^[4]
• Besson^[4]
• Willson^[7]
• Hirsbrunner^[8]
• Antoine Courtois^[4]
• F.E. Olds^[4]
• J. W. York^[4]
• F.A. Reynolds^[4]
• The Martin Band Instrument Company^[4]
• The Frank Holton Company^[4]
• The H.N. White Company (King Musical Instruments)^[4]
• Vincent Bach Corporation^[4]
• Blessing^[9]
• Jupiter Band Instruments^[4]
• Yamaha Musical Instruments^[4]
• Smith Watkins^[10]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Brass Bands- Services for contacting bands and players worldwide
• 4barsrest- Up to date news and articles on the brass band scene
• IBEW- The complete information resource for brass bands worldwide
• British Bandsman magazine
• Brass Band Tube - All the latest Brass Band videos on the internet
• BrassBand.co.uk-Brass Band Sheet Music Search Engine
• Matt Sakakeeny-Tulane University musicologist has written extensively on New Orleans brass bands
• The Australian Newcastle Steelworks Band's London recordings, including the 'Honest Toil March' was added to the National Film and Sound Archive's Sounds of Australia Registry in 2009
• The Newcastle Steelworks Band playing W. Rimmer’s 'Honest Toil March' on australianscreen online
• Stonehouse (Gloucestershire) Brass Band 1898