Celebrate the men and women who built the brass band movement. From the industrial heartlands of 19th-century Britain to the global stages of today, the brass band has evolved into one of the most vibrant amateur music-making traditions in the world. The Brass Band Hall of Fame is the definitive historical record of the people who made this genre a musical force.

Author Tim Mutum, a lifelong brass band advocate and researcher, offers an invaluable collection of history, insight, and tribute. This book serves as an essential 'who’s who,' documenting nearly 140 composers, players, conductors, and entrepreneurs who shaped the movement over the last 175 years.

Key Features/Benefits

• Documents nearly 140 composers, players, conductors, and entrepreneurs who shaped the brass band movement over 175 years.
• Features over 70 illustrations capturing the heritage and spirit of the brass band world.
• Provides historical context on the flourishing of the movement from humble beginnings to high-stakes national stages.
• Serves as a primary source for researchers and music historians interested in the evolution of British amateur music.
• Clarifies the evolution of major UK championships: The National (including the Crystal Palace era) and The British Open (dating back to 1853).

Understanding the History of Competition

Brass bands have thrived on competition since the 19th century. This book assists readers in navigating the historical landscape of these contests by clarifying the evolution of the two major UK championships:

• The National: Details its origins as the 'Grand National Band Festival' (1900), its time as the 'Crystal Palace' contest (until 1936), and its evolution into the 'National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain.'
• The British Open: Traces its history from the 'September Belle Vue' in Manchester (1853) through its transition to the 'September Open' (1952).

Specifications

• Author: Tim Mutum
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Print Length: 341 pages
• Publication Date: June 7, 2026
• Dimensions: 170 x 244 mm (approx. 6.69 x 9.61 inches)
• ISBN 13: 979-8198986954
• Weight: 689 g

This essential reference provides comprehensive biographies and rare archival material, making it indispensable for anyone studying the history and criticism of brass band music.