Salvation Army brass band

In society, a Salvation Army band playing in public places during Christian events in the calendar such as Christmas has become a part of seasonal customs, particularly in the UK.

The early Salvationists, as today, took their Gospel message to the people in their own environments, largely in the streets and markets of the towns.

In 1878 Charles Fry and his three sons formed a brass quartet which played during outdoor meetings.

The Army's founder, William Booth, came to hear of them, and started to use them in his own campaign.

Over time the Fry ensemble was augmented with other instruments, not exclusively brass, and became famous under names such as "The Hallelujah Minstrels" and "The Happy Band".

The first ever Salvation Army Corps Band was formed in December 1879 in Consett, County Durham, a former steelworking town,[1] another followed later in Northwich, Cheshire in 1880.

Many of the leading brass band composers and players of the 20th century had roots in or close links with the Salvation Army.

They did not enter contests or play music other than their own - which had been specifically written or arranged for them.

This system, which is unique to UK-style brass bands, ensures most parts can be covered when there is less than a full complement of players.

These are the local bands, supporting worship services each Sunday and other special events as needed by the corps.

The typical corps band plays one or two pieces each Sunday morning, plus accompaniment for congregational singing.

The corps bandmaster must have a ready list of items that can be played without rehearsal, in case key players are missing on a particular week.

The regional band, drawing on several corps, can complete the instrumentation and play more complex music.

Many regional bands rehearse less frequently than once a week, especially those covering a large geographic area.

Beginning at the corps level, many young Salvationists are taught to play and sing, starting sometimes as early as seven years of age.

In recent years, the fellowship band has become an increasingly popular form of Salvation Army ensemble.

One such group is Vintage Brass, sponsored by the Long Beach Citadel corps in California.

However, many fellowship groups are excellent musically and rival some of the top standing ensembles in the quality of their performance.

One example of this in the UK is the South London Fellowship Band, which meets for rehearsal on a fortnightly basis throughout the year and provides concerts and musical programmes on invitation from a variety of sources - Corps' in the South East of England and further afield, as well as Churches and charities.

Most Staff Bands have websites and YouTube channels where you can find recordings and videos of concerts.

When a band travels, the secretary is responsible for making the transportation and accommodation arrangements.