Old brass players from Newcastle Brass Band Historians and Researchers

This page gives details of those individuals who are engaged in researching the history of brass bands in the UK or overseas in whatever form it may take. Academic research, researching for books and articles, collectors, archivists, curators, local historians, hobbyists, musicologists and more! If you would like to provide your details, with an indication of the particular areas of interest, if any, then please send an email with the relevant information to
 gavin@ibew.co.uk

See also the IBEW Discussion Forum for a resource to seek and share information.

NameResearch details / areas of interest
Gavin Holman
 01423 340102
 gavin@ibew.co.uk
 www.ibew.co.uk
All brass bands
Any information about vintage brass bands, their formation, histories, pictures, contesting, memorabilia, recordings, publications etc.
All material is made available for all to access via the IBEW website: www.ibew.co.uk. Any contributions of information, pictures or suggestions for further research are very welcome.
John Brush
 01726 850729
 ja.brush@virgin.net
 Cornish Bands
Cornish bands
Cornish Bands, particularly from 1839 to 1939. Currently John has uncovered details of some 230 bands in Cornwall in that period, of which less than a third survived the Second World War. Further details are sought, and anyone with any information about old Cornish bands is requested to contact John.
See the Cornish Bands section of the IBEW, which is hosting his work.
David Cawdell
 d.cawdell@btinternet.com
East Anglian bands
I have been involved in brass bands for nearly sixty years both as a player (ex Band of the Irish Guards) and conductor and writer. The brass band movement in the late 19th century was the greatest example of amateur mass music-making in the country and is a very important part of our social history. The histories of now defunct bands should not be allowed to fade from our memories. I am researching the old bands of East Anglia and collect old band photographs, uniforms, instruments, old band books, anecdotes and all other band memorabilia and am currently writing books and articles on the lost bands of our region. I also give illustrated talks on the subject as 'fund raisers' for local bands. All information would be gratefully received and acknowledged.
Roland Clark
 01202 730723
 firsteuph@yahoo.co.uk
Bournemouth and Poole bands
I am currently researching and writing the history of the Brass and Military Bands of Poole and Bournemouth (The BH Post code Area). I have established that the oldest band was Poole Town Band with a mention pre-1849. Wareham Town Band 1850 and the oldest Salvation Army Band appeared as Poole Christian Mission Band before becoming the salvation Army in 1878. I have records of over 80 current and extinct bands. I am appealing for information and photographs however insignificant. Information before the second world war is the most scarce and anything from this period would be much appreciated.
Stephen Etheridge
MA, GD( Mus) Leeds
 a0675857@hud.ac.uk
South Pennines Brass Bands 1840- 1928
I am a Social History and Musicology PhD research student at Huddersfield University. I am interested in accessing any archives held by brass bands in the southern Pennines, from around 1840- 1928. Of particular interest would be minute books and financial records. Repertoire lists and concert programmes would also be very useful. I would also like to study any bands that used any kind of group tutoring method in this period.
Ray Farr
 07717 433613
 ray.farr@durham.ac.uk
St Hilda Band and Distin family
I'm researching brass band history for a PhD. My focus is on the Distin family and the St Hilda Band. I am also collecting antique brass instruments with the intention of performing early brass music. I am based at Durham University.
Chris Helme
 01422 205763
 cdhelme3539.brighouse@zen.co.uk
 www.chrishelme-brighouse.org.uk
All brass bands and oral history
My interest is in collating UK brass band nostalgia - researching the almost forgotten players and bands of the past - writing about them and the stories involving them and then having the stories published. Listening to the tales of former players it is their memories that fascinate me and many others - these stories should not be forgotten or lost in the mists of time. I have written my stories for the Brass Review, 4barsrest and the British Bandsman.
Dr Richard Jones
BMus(hons), MA, Phd in Ethnomusicology
 jonesrichard@hotmail.com
Brass Band Performance
Research interests:- A doctoral thesis on the behaviour, attitudes and taken for granted processes that are defined by performance practice and performance rituals. Performance contexts as spheres of influence, displaying varying degrees of prestige, status and identity on both bands and individuals. Analysis of brass band adjudication as a means of developing better performance practice. The development of literature and knowledge of world wind and brass band traditions, specifically the position and influence of bands within their own communities.

Future research interests:- Village band traditions in south East Italy and mediterranean and the performance practice rituals and social significance of the brass festival or competition in the Balkans.

Cathleen O'Connell
978-430-9469
 desertpenguinpictures@comcast.net
 Desert Penguin Pictures
US Native American bands
Seeking information on US Native American brass/concert/marching bands. I am an independent documentary producer researching film about Native American bands 1890-present day. Looking for photos, ephemera, oral histories, musicians & their relatives.

Here is a brief description of the film - scheduled for completion in 2009.

When most people hear the phrase Native American music they don't think of tubas, costumed baton twirlers and Sousa marches. Yet this rich musical tradition has been a part of Native American life for over one hundred years. Combining profiles of contemporary bands with fresh historical research, "Native American Marching Bands" (w.t.) offers viewers a surprising and engaging picture of this little-known Native music scene. The documentary challenges viewers to expand their definition of Native American music and broadens their understanding of contemporary Indian life.

Brian Stride
 
 bstride@shaw.ca
 Brass Bands in British Columbia
British Columbian bands
Researching the history of brass bands in British Columbia, Canada - see the website: www.vabbs.org/hist_bb_bc.php.
Brass Bands in the Province of British Columbia were a common form of musical expression in the colonial to pre-World War 1 years. In general, the bands were comprised of two groups: those developed by the European colonists, which were primarily community bands, and those developed amongst the First Nations peoples, often in association with a religious organization. This is a research project that continues to develop as new photographs and information are discovered. Anyone with information, corrections, additions, or photos concerning brass bands in British Columbia is invited to contact Brian.
Matthew Walker
 01204 465321
 Matthew.walker@uuplc.co.uk
Greater Manchester bands
I am currently researching the brass bands of Greater Manchester, collating a brief history and major achievements of every past and present band and a photograph where available. Currently I've completed the Bolton area, this book can be found at www.lulu.com under the title of Farnworth and Walkden Band. I've now started on the Bury and Rossendale areas, Bury is particularly very lacking in information and anything would be a great help. But I would be grateful for information on the others areas, as I will be tackling these in the future e.g. Stockport, Trafford, Manchester, Salford, Rochdale, Tameside and Wigan.
Craig Wood
 woodies_6@bigpond.com
 Barrier Industrial Unions' Band
Broken Hill / Barrier ranges (NSW Australia) bands and bandsmen
Any details about the following bands: Barrier Industrial Unions' Band; Broken Hill City Band; Barrier Citizen's Band; Silver City Ladies Band; Silverton Tramways Band; Broken Hill Salvation Army Bands; Amalgamated Miner's Association Band; Broken Hill Band; Silverton Brass band; Wilcannia Town Band; Bermingham's Band; Bartley's Barrier band; Police Boys Band and Broken Hill Marist Brothers' Bugle Band. Also information on the Newcastle steelworks band with information about Tom Bollen or Tom Nankivell. Any information would be much appreciated and acknowledged if planned publication in book form eventuate





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