To the insider the world of brass bands can conjure up all kinds of memories, whether they are from a concert or a contest performance, performed by either a present day band or a band that has sadly been lost into the mists of time and has been confined to the annals of brass band history. This world of brass bands seems to have had, although some may say to a lesser degree these days its own unique kind of people. I suppose today to use the modern jargon we should call them personalities but in 'banding' circles whether they are dead or alive these people are often simply referred to as characters or in some cases even elevated to the status of being a legend.
The people who have produced time after time what can only be described as truly magical musical moments in a performance. Or someone who has turned the moment into a memorable one with their own particular turns of phrase or with that once in a lifetime individual performance of musical brilliance. These include of course conductors or should we say bandmasters or musical directors and then along with the individual players who in many cases came from humble musical beginnings and then grew into household names in this world of brass bands and in some cases beyond in the wider musical world. Having been associated with brass bands for almost 50 years, it was a little over 15 years ago that I began to search and then wonder where are these great performers and characters of yesteryear.
Sadly, I discovered that in a number of cases time had taken its toll, but even so,
where are the fine words and publications about their deeds, lives and the lasting
memories they have left us. Take a trip with me down memory lane when hopefully,
once you have read my contribution to the small but growing list of brass band books,
publications and articles. I will have re-
These stories will act as a reminder or an insight into some of those people who can proudly say ‘...Look what brass bands did for me.....'
Chris Helme
