How to Organize a Brass Band (1875 )

David Richoux · Post by **David Richoux** » Sun Aug 15, 2010 10:07 pm

Just got this from a bandmate:

"In view of the fact that this volume may fall into the hands of many, who, though not actually members of an active Band may yet feel an interest in the various questions concerned in the formation and management of one...
"It is a fact not to be denied that the existence of a good Brass Band in any town or community is at once an indication of enterprise among its people, and an evidence that a certain spirit of taste and refinement pervades the masses... we recognize the unfailing indication of culture and refinement...
"First comes the selection of men. As a rule, it is well here to avoid taking in fellows who 'play by ear',... Such fellows besides being often dissipated, are most always vain and idle... The most essential requisite is that a man should be patient and teachable....
"Having selected the men, pick out the most intelligent and ambitious of the lot for Cornet players... The next most important place to be filled is that of the Tuba player. He should be a moderately stout fellow... his supply of patience should be practically inexhaustible,...and if a man of profane habits is apt to swear in a disagreeable way at the stupid blunders made by his companions of the Althorns and Tenors...so little private feuds spring up which will eventually undermine the Band.
"For the Side instruments and Drums it does not make so much difference...
"If in a new Band there is to be a Baritone or Solo Alto, it is necessary to entrust them to men of intelligence and ambition, just as with the Cornets...
"To Amateurs, the Author has also this piece of advice to offer. Do not let anybody persuade you to bother with Piccolos, Clarinets and Slide Trombones.
G. F. Patton, "A Practical Guide to the Arrangement of Band Music" [N.Y., John F. Stratton & Co., 1875, page 176].

How true, How true! (You can read the whole book at Googlebooks... some tasty comments about drummers, Baritones, and other instrument players were not included in this quote.)