Concert Band

Summary

A concert band is a large ensemble consisting of woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Unlike an orchestra, a concert band does not typically include stringed instruments (though occasionally a single contrabass is added to the ensemble).

Other names for this ensemble are wind band, wind ensemble, wind symphony, wind orchestra, symphonic band, symphonic winds, or symphonic wind ensemble. These names are all synonymous, though there are some tendencies:

Concert Band - Introductory level band

Symphonic Band - Intermediate level band

Wind Symphony - Advanced level band

Wind Ensemble - Advanced level band (1 person per part)

Instrumentation

A concert band typically consists of only wind and percussion instruments and is led by a conductor, who directs the performance to ensure all musicians play in harmony and with the correct expression.

Unlike an orchestra, a concert band typically does not include string instruments, with the occasional exception of a string bass. The absence of a string section is one of the key distinctions between a concert band and an orchestra.

The instrumentation of a concert band is flexible, with the number of players for each instrument varying based on ensemble size and musical requirements. A concert band may have anywhere between 30-100+ players. Certain compositions may incorporate additional instruments such as piano or harp. In some cases, choral elements may be integrated to enhance specific performances. Below is the typical instrumentation for a concert band, listed in score order:

1. WOODWINDS

   • 4-8 Flutes (often including 1 piccolo)

   • 1-3 Oboes (often including 1 English horn)

   • 8-16 Clarinets

   • 1-4 Bass Clarinets

   • 1-4 Bassoons (often including 1 contrabassoon)

   • 2-4 Alto Saxophones

   • 1-2 Tenor Saxophones

   • 1 Baritone Saxophone

2. BRASS

   • 6-10 Trumpets/Cornets

   • 4-8 French Horns

   • 3-9 Trombones (often including 1 bass trombone)

   • 1-4 Tubas

3. PERCUSSION

   • 1 Timpani

   • Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Cymbals, and more

     • This section offers extensive versatility, as it can incorporate a wide array of additional percussion instruments, such as: Marimba, Glockenspiel, Tambourine, Wood Block, Guiro, Claves, etc.

   • 1-2 Harps may be added

   • 1 Piano may be added

4. STRINGS

   • 1 String Bass may be added

Understanding Repertoire of the Concert Band

A concert band performs a wide variety of music, encompassing several genres and styles. Here are some of the types of music typically performed by a concert band:

TRANSCRIPTIONS & ARRANGEMENTS

Concert bands often play transcriptions of classical orchestral works. These pieces are arranged for the wind and percussion instruments that make up a concert band, allowing them to perform works originally written for symphony orchestras. This includes transcriptions of symphonies, overtures, and suites by composers like Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Holst.

20th CENTURY & CONTEMPORARY

There is a significant repertoire of music written specifically for concert bands. Composers such as Gustav Holst, Percy Grainger, and John Philip Sousa have written pieces that are staples of the concert band repertoire. These works often highlight the unique capabilities of wind and percussion instruments.

Contemporary music encompasses compositions generally written after 1945. This broad category includes diverse genres such as serial, experimental, minimalist, and electronic music, each representing unique approaches to musical composition and expression.

MARCHES

Marches are an important part of the concert band repertoire. These pieces are characterized by their steady, rhythmic tempo and are often used in parades and ceremonies. John Philip Sousa is particularly famous for his marches, many of which are still performed regularly.

MEDIA & POPULAR

Concert Bands also perform and popular music, including arrangements of film scores, Broadway musicals, and popular songs. This allows the band to connect with a broader audience by playing familiar and accessible tunes.

FOLK & TRADITIONAL

Many concert band pieces are based on folk and traditional music from various cultures. These arrangements help to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage, and they often feature distinctive rhythms and melodies unique to the source material.

JAZZ & SWING

Concert bands sometimes perform arrangements of jazz and swing music. These pieces can include elements of improvisation and feature sections that highlight the different instruments within the band.

PROGROMATIC

Programmatic music tells a story or paints a picture through sound. Concert band composers often write pieces that depict scenes from nature, historical events, or abstract concepts. These works can be highly descriptive and evocative, using the full range of the band's instruments to create vivid imagery.

EDUCATIONAL AND PEDAGOGICAL

There is a wealth of music written for educational purposes, designed to develop the skills of young musicians. These pieces are often simpler in structure and technique but still provide valuable learning experiences for developing players.

WORLD MUSIC

“World music” is a broad term that encompasses music originating outside the Western classical and popular music spheres. This broad category includes indigenous, folk, and contemporary styles from various cultures worldwide, offering rich and unique musical expressions.

AVANT-GARDE AND EXPERIMENTAL

Some contemporary composers write avant-garde and experimental music for concert bands. These works often push the boundaries of traditional music, incorporating unconventional techniques, complex rhythms, and innovative uses of instruments.

10 Current Notable Concert Bands

• United States Marine Band (Washington, D.C., USA)

• Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra (Tokyo, Japan)

• Dallas Wind Symphony (Dallas, USA)

• Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra (Manchester, UK)

• Eastman Wind Ensemble (Rochester, USA)

• Central Band of the Royal Air Force (London, UK)

• Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Wind Ensemble (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

• Air Force Band of the West (San Antonio, USA)

• North Texas Wind Symphony (Denton, USA)

• Royal Netherlands Army Band "Johan Willem Friso" (Assen, Netherlands)

Sources

• "The Wind Band: Its Literature and Technique" by Frederick Fennell (Harvard University Press)

• "A History of the Wind Band" by David Whitwell (Winds)

• "Teaching Music through Performance in Band" by Larry Blocher et al. (GIA Publications)

• "The Conductor and His Score" by Elizabeth A.H. Green (Prentice-Hall)

• "Guide to Score Study for the Wind Band Conductor" by Frank Battisti and Robert Garofalo (Meredith Music)

• "The American Wind Band: A Cultural History" by Richard K. Hansen (GIA Publications)

• "On Becoming a Conductor" by Frank L. Battisti (Meredith Music)

• "The Wind Ensemble and Its Repertoire" by Frank Cipolla and Donald Hunsberger (University of Rochester Press)