Traditional brass bands (or show bands) can be slightly different in instrumentation to military bands, and their focus shifts from routine, to the entertainment of the crowd. They will often perform music that is traditionally associated with the organisation they are from.

Military bands will occasionally perform in competitions, being judged on many aspects of their performances and travelling around the world to compete. Military bands are also present in many divisions of the British armed forces, as well as in the bands of the Royal British Legion. This is especially true in the US, where military bands can also be associated with high schools and universities.

The music is performed at a steady tempo, in order to easily facilitate marching,Īnd they will usually perform in the relevant colours or uniform of their organisation, sometimes with props like flags, rifles or sabres. Military bands are where most brass marching bands have their roots, as the idea of having musicians accompanying troops marching into battle can be dated back as early as the 11th century. Generally speaking, they can be sorted into two categories – military and traditional, although both will perform from brass band sheet music, with alternate arrangements.

They are popular in both military and civilian life, throughout the US, UK, Europe and a variety of Latin American countries. Brass bands come in various different line-ups, and the term can mean different things, depending on where you are in the world.

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