Concert band

A concert band, often called a wind symphony or wind ensemble, is a musical group focused on performing.

These ensembles primarily feature the woodwind, brass, and percussion families of instruments. Some groups also include the piano, double bass, or harp to add depth. Occasionally, non-traditional instruments like the synthesizer or electric guitar are added. Unlike a marching band, which performs while moving, a concert band usually performs while stationary. This allows the musicians to focus on complex musical textures and nuances.

The mechanism of a concert band relies on a wide variety of musical parts. A large band can theoretically include up to 200 members. These performers play from a set of approximately 35 different musical parts. In a standard concert band, several players might perform the same part to create a thick sound. This is known as doubling. However, in a smaller wind ensemble, there is very little doubling. In those cases, a single player often handles one specific part. This precision allows for the performance of highly detailed compositions.

There are several distinct types of wind ensembles found in modern society. Military bands are groups of personnel that perform for armed forces functions. These groups often have a conductor called a Bandmaster or Director of Music. Professional concert bands exist globally but rarely offer full-time positions. Competition to join these groups is incredibly high. Community bands are different because they consist of volunteer amateur musicians. These groups are often self-supporting or sponsored by a local government. School bands are ensembles made of students, often organized by skill level.

The history of these ensembles is quite long. The origins of the concert band can be traced to the French Revolution. During this time, large bands gathered for patriotic festivals and celebrations. In the 19th century, large wind and percussion ensembles existed mainly as military bands. These groups performed mostly marches for ceremonial occasions. For a long time, serious composers avoided writing for bands. This was because instruments were difficult to play in tune. It was also hard to write for bands because the number of instruments was not standardized.

Change arrived in the early 20th century when composers began writing original works for bands. Gustav Holst wrote the important "First Suite for Band" in 1909. Other notable composers include Ralph Vaughan Williams, Richard Wagner, and Aaron Copland. In 1952, Frederick Fennell helped establish a modern standard for instrumentation. He created the Eastman Wind Ensemble at the Eastman School of Music. He modeled it after the orchestra to create different sonorities. This meant composers could select from a specific pool of players to create unique sounds.

Many interesting examples of these bands exist today. The Royal Hawaiian Band was created by royal decree in 1836 by King Kamehameha III. The Allentown Band in Pennsylvania is the oldest American civilian band. Some professional groups, like the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra, have been led by famous directors like Frederick Fennell. In the United States, the Air Force Band is unique because it scores for cellos. This practice began during the time of director George S. Howard. Even the use of the harp in bands has a specific history. It was included in the professional bands of John Philip Sousa and Edwin Franko Goldman.

Concert bands connect to many different social and industrial systems. The rise of community bands was linked to industrialization. As instruments became easier to manufacture, they became much more available to amateurs. The American Civil War also played a role in the United States. Many military musicians started community bands after the war ended. This led to a "Golden Age of Bands" led by John Philip Sousa. Eventually, the radio and phonograph caused a decline in these groups. However, the expansion of school music programs helped restore interest in band music.