Joseph started his musical career in the London music halls but, after attending a Baptist college, dedicated his life to the ministry, where he preached and performed on the cornet, to the delight and acclaim of his audiences.

Thomas Raistrick became the principal cornet player of the Shipley Brass Band at the age of 13 in 1905 and established himself as an accomplished soloist in his own right. He went on to direct the Band of the 6th West Yorkshire Regiment during WW1.

Joseph Tyler, an accomplished clarinetist, had thirteen children with his two wives, and formed two Family Bands which toured the British Isles and France over a period of nearly half a century. In addition to performing in their own concerts, they took part in pantomimes and other music hall revues, were engaged as the ‘town band’ in Aberystwyth…[Read more]

A collection of illustrations of badges issued by and supporting brass bands

A look at the brief history of this band from central Wisconsin in the 1880’s

In the picture postcards of the early 1900’s. which were printed to send New Year’s greetings to friends and family, it was not unusual to find depictions of brass instrumentalists, playing or ‘heralding’ the New Year. This document shows over 100 such images.

A selection of cartoons from Punch magazine from the 1860’s to the 1930’s which depicted brass band or brass musicians, as humorous commentary on social and political issues of the day.

The story of Napoleon Bird’s 48-hour marathon piano performance to raise funds for the London & North Western Railway Employees Brass Band (Stockport) in 1906

Agnes Mary Squelch (familiarly known as Daisy) was taught to play the cornet by the Black Dyke cornetist, John Paley at the age of 14. Having mastered the instrument, Daisy went on to become a well-known soloist on the concert stage, eventually moving to the music halls, where she excelled in various productions, touring the country from 1909 to 1922.

A look at the bands that provided musical entertainment in the city of Sterling, Illinois.

A look at the various types of bandwagons constructed for the town bands of the U.S.A. and also some of the ad hoc transports they used

Various incarnations of the Fraserburgh Brass Band, together with various military bands, provided entertainment to the inhabitants of this north-east Scotland fishing town from the 1850’s to WW1

The Congo Cycling Club of Jarrow developed a musical arm in 1904 The Congo Navvies’ Band quickly became a much loved (and laughed at) feature of cycle meets, carnivals and parades. Aside from their bicycling pursuits, the Band managed to raise significant sums for various national and local charities in the twenty years they existed.

Like many towns and cities in Britain, Harrogate got caught up in the roller-skating crazes that emerged at three times from the 1870’s to the 1920’s. For a brief time on each occurrence, this new sport, pastime and entertainment was an opportunity to exercise and ‘be seen’.

From 1852 to the end of the 19th century, this band was one of a number of successful initiatives providing education, training and recreation for the employees of the Press. It was one of a small group of brass bands associated with the publishing industry.

Information about the fifteen ‘brass’ bands that have had their home in Harrogate from the mid-19th century to the current day, with details of their activities

A small village band that existed for less than 20 years – a brief look at what is known about its members and activities.

Cleora Miller was a multi-instrumental musician, who toured with her parents in a musical trio, before becoming the figurehead of the show and a much loved and admired solo artist in addition to her ensemble work, eventually leading a multi-act variety show that was greatly sought after in the American mid-west in the early 1930’s.