About Brass Bands
Brass Bands
Brass Instruments
Brass Instruments
Unlike the brass section of an orchestra or concert band, British Brass Bands have a slightly different arrangement of instruments.
They do not normally include trumpets or French Horns for example, instead using cornets which, due to a more compact shape and conical bore, have a more mellow tone quality.
The number of players in a typical brass band can vary from as few as 8 or 9 to around 27 or 28, as long as all sections are covered.
Brass Instruments
Brass Instruments
Brass Instruments
Standard instrumentation in a British Brass Band usually includes:
Soprano cornet (Eb)
Front row: Principal & solo cornets (Bb)
Back row: Repiano & 2nd/3rd cornets (Bb)
Flugelhorn (Bb)
Solo Tenor horn
1st & 2nd Tenor horns (Eb)
1st & 2nd Baritone horns (Bb)
1st & 2nd Tenor trombones (Bb)
Bass Trombone (Bb)
Euphoniums (Bb)
Basses (Eb) (Bb)
Bass (BBb)
The Percussion
Brass Instruments
The Percussion
Standard percussion can include a full drum kit consisting of:
Bass drum
Snare drum
Large, medium and small toms
Crash cymbal
Ride cymbal
High Hat
Tambourine
Woodblock
Triangle
Bells, Shaker
Along with Glockenspiel, Xylophone, windchimes and more
Cornet
Flugelhorn
The Percussion
The Soprano cornet, the highest pitched instrument, usually takes the solo role in the main tune but can also take a more harmonic support role. It is backed by the 2nd and 3rd cornets. The number of cornets in a band can vary. Cornets are usually the leading melodic instruments in a band
Flugelhorn
Flugelhorn
Flugelhorn
There is usually only one flugelhorn in a brass band. Although pitched the same as the cornet in Bb, due to it's shape it has a more mellow and darker sound so bridges the gap between the cornets and the lower pitched horns. It can provide supporting harmony with the cornets or play melodic solo lines.
Tenor Horn
Flugelhorn
Flugelhorn
Sitting in the middle of the band, the three tenor horns can play accompaniments or the main tune or even solos. It's conical bore and upright playing make it the highest pitched instrument in the band meaning the sounds blend before reaching the audience, which is ideal for accompaniments.
Baritone Horn
Baritone Horn
Baritone Horn
With a lower pitch than the smaller tenor horn, the Baritones usually play accompaniments but they can also play melodies. There are usually two in a band and whilst they are pitched the same as a euphonium, the narrower bore gives them a less mellow tone.
Euphonium
Baritone Horn
Baritone Horn
The name comes from the ancient Greek words 'eu' meaning good and 'phonos' meaning sound, so essentially meaning well sounding or sweet voiced. Conical in shape and played upright, they can take melodic or harmonic roles. Their deep mellow tone makes them good for solos.
Trombone
Baritone Horn
Trombone
Tenor trombones are again pitched the same as euphoniums and the baritone horns. They play the melodic and harmonic parts. Bass trombones have a wider bore and larger bell so can generate a darker, more weighty tone to add to the depth of music being played.
Basses
Percussion
Trombone
The Eb and Bb (or BBb) basses are a type of tuba and are the largest and deepest sounding instruments in the band. They are played upright, like the euphonium. They provide the essential foundation for the band which can often be felt as well as heard. The BBb has the lowest pitch.
Percussion
Percussion
Percussion
Any instrument which can be struck, scraped or beaten, such as a drum, cymbal or triangle, also including pitched instruments such as glockenspiel or xylophone. Percussion is used to keep time and maintain rhythm, providing texture and energy and picking out the highlights.
Contact Us
Percussion
Percussion
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