What is a Brass Band?

The traditional (British) brass band has no trumpets or French horns. The instrumentation predominantly consists of cornets (derived from the bugle) and the lower-pitched saxhorns which were were developed in the mid-1800s by Adolphe Sax (after whom the saxophone is named). These instruments have conical, rather than tubular, bores and this gives them a more lyrical and flexible tone, compared with trumpets and trombones. The brass band also has three trombones and four tubas (but in the band they are called "basses"). The colour of a brass band is unique and, in good hands, can be as pleasant and emotive as a classical orchestra. The dynamic range of the ensemble is astounding, and with mutes and percussion, the brass band can produce very unusual and unique effects.

Brass Band instrumentation

Cornets
Four solo Bb cornets Principal solo cornet features in demanding solo passages. Other solo cornets work hard too. Very demanding role, often carrying the major melodic line. Similar role to 1st violins in an orchestra.
One soprano Eb cornet High and distinctive, needs confidence and courage! Lead solo instrument in the high register. Similar role to flutes and piccolo in orchestra.
One repiano Bb cornet Another "solo" cornet, sometimes plays counter melody to Principal solo, or in unison with Flugel Horn.
Two 2nd Bb cornets Lower cornets blend with horns and trombones in harmonic chordal passages. They can also feature, especially in test pieces.
Two 3rd Bb cornets Combined with Horns and 2nd cornets, produces octave harmonies in chords and rythmic harmony.
Horns
Flugel Horn Same pitch as Bb cornets, but softer, mellower tone. Can blend easily with Horns and Trombones. Features in the movie "Brassed Off", "Concerto d' Orange Juice" played by "Gloria Mullins". A different, melodic colour contrasts with cornet.
Three Eb Tenor Horns Solo Horn has important mid-range solo melodic role. Very demanding position. Lower horns provide harmonic support, but can also feature in fanfares and harmonic melodies. Similar role to horns in orchestra, but brighter tone and more lyrical. Talented players can produce pleasing tone and timbre.
Two Bb Baritone Horns First baritone can share the bass melodic lead with the Euphonium. Can be very demanding solo role. Second baritone shares the load and can also harmonise.
Trombones
Two Tenor Trombones Trombones have similar role as in orchestra. Mid-range aggressive powerhouse of the band, but can also produce gorgeous soft warm chords.
One Bass Trombone Bass Trombone gives "edge" to bass lines when needed. Wider bore and multiple triggers give access to very low-pitched tones. Was it Berlioz who said that the Bass Trombone is the king of the orchestra?
Euphoniums
Two Solo Euphoniums Principal Bass melodic lead instruments, with demanding solos. With basses, provide the warm distinctive sound that characterises brass band colour. Similar role to cello and viola in orchestra.
Bass (Tuba)
Two Eb Basses Tubas ("basses") have a dual role. They provide the underlying deep bass line in all works, a similar role to contrabass in orchestral string passages. They also provide melodic lead in deeper registers.
Two Bb Basses The Bb Bass is pitched a tone lower than the orchestral "C" tuba. The Besson Sovereign instrument has a softer, broader tone, and the four tubas in the right hands can provide ethereal pianissimo effects. You need lots or air to play a Sovereign Bb Bass
Drums and Percussion Modern composers make much use of percussion and drums. Adds rhythmic life to the music, and melodic highlights with bells, xylophone and glockenspeil.