With the British Open Championship at Symphony Hall on the immediate horizon, The Daily Telegraph newspaper has featured an article that touches on issues explored by Prof Trevor Herbert's new book, 'The Brass Band Story'.

Written by the newspaper's Chief Music Critic, Ivan Hewett, it was published on the 29th August under the strapline — 'Snobbery, sexism and the Salvation Army'.

Despite the title, it offers a positive critique of both the book, and through his own interviews, of the current state of health of the UK banding movement, which Herbert says has, "plenty to offer the wider musical culture in Britain".

Comparison

In noting Prof Herbert's analysis of the true, rather than 'cliched' image of banding history, and his view that it encouraged a form of 'rational recreation' and how important it continues to be "to the history of music in this country"

he draws comparison to the modern day with contributions from the likes of producer and author Paul Hindmarsh, conductor Katrina Marzella-Wheeler, players Daniel Hutchins and Amy Ewen and 4BR Editor Iwan Fox.

These touch on playing standards, the competitive ethos and contests and rise in a younger, more inclusive environment away from the traditional heartlands and history which Prof Herbert's book also explores.

Conclusion

His conclusion it seems is also very positive — agreeing that bands are, "a real national treasure", by hoping that Arts Council England recognises that too.

To purchase:

Book: The Brass Band Story (Prof Trevor Herbert)
Yale University Press

https://yalebooks.co.uk/book/9780300282573/the-brass-band-story/