The development of the brass band movement in North America: An analysis of the structure, history, and condition of active British-style brass bands

The tradition of brass bands is a movement that has existed in North America, much like in Europe, since the seventeenth century. British-style brass bands appeared on the continent at the end of the nineteenth century, and have been slowly building since the 1980s. Research regarding structure, history, and condition of the movement and the bands that make up the movement has needed updating. The purpose of this study is to provide an update on the status of the brass band movement in North America through the lens of currently functioning brass bands that possess an internet presence. Representatives from presently operating brass bands completed a survey in REDCap software, which assesses each band's history, demographics, instrumentation, organizational and administrative structure, community support, and participation in competitions and organizations. The data from this study showed that most participating brass bands began after 1980 and that, although participants indicated an interest in brass band contests, less than half actively compete in them. Many responding bands reported a low estimated annual budget and relied on its members to provide their equipment and uniforms. Finally, most bands that participated in the study reported that they purchase their music from an internet source, while a minority of bands rely on their members to write and arrange their music.