The Bollywood Brass Band

This brass band hails from the UK. They describe themselves as Indian-style, using such instruments as tabla and dhol drums, and performing the music of the greatest Indian films. Much of the spotlight during their shows is given to the drummers, who employ complex Indian rhythms as well as funk and hip hop rhythms.

Kočani Orkestar

Kočani Orkestar is a Romani brass band hailing from Kočani, Macedonia and is known for their blend of funk and Balkan brass. Their song "Siki, siki baba" is featured on the soundtrack to the movie Borat, even though the song has no connection with Kazakhstan. The band's leader, Naat Veliov, has actually filed a lawsuit against the makers of Borat for unauthorized use of their song!

This is my favorite group I've blogged about so far. Intricate, driving rhythms, even a little bit of Latin influence!

Jaipur Kawa Brass Band

Jaipur Kawa uses a brass ensemble in combination with Indian melodies and percussion. Most of their pieces have the brass playing all in unison on the melody/raga, but it makes for an interesting listen.

The creator and artistic director of Jaipur Kawa is Hameed Khan, a renowned musician who chooses their varied repertoire. The band includes a singer (who sings the melody and is the focal point of each track) a dancer and even a fakir (sword swallower). They often play in parades as well as on stage.

Fanfare Ciocărlia

A brass band heralding from Zece Prajini, Romania. Starting out as a local band that played at weddings and festivals, Fanfare Ciocarlia began recording and touring in 1996 when approached by a German producer. They are known for their dizzying speed and energy, playing traditional folk melodies from Romania and other eastern European countries.

Since they began touring, they have played over a thousand concerts in over 50 countries, and have released five albums.

An African Brass Band

Just found this video of a local brass band in Jacqueville, Côte d'Ivoire (the Ivory Coast in Africa). When the local missionaries banned traditional music, the people responded by creating an amateur brass band that began to play at the towns various festivities. Although they mainly provide dancing music, the band also plays at religious ceremonies, festivals, funerals, and celebrations.

The video advertises a documentary made about the band, shot just a few weeks before an outbreak of civil war in the country. The first couple minutes are silent shots, but hear the band around the 2:15 mark!

Philadelphia German Brass Band

This group is first in a series of spotlights on brass ensembles that specialize in a certain ethnic or cultural style. Having performed continuously for 75 years, the Philadelphia German Brass Band began as a band of German immigrants in the 1930's who got together to play German tunes that reminded them of home. The ensemble continued to play through the decades, changing directors very few times, and still are going strong today. A small number of devoted members care for the ensemble's library, new arrangements, and recording. The band often plays at Oktoberfests and other festivals or ethnic events.

Philadelphia German Brass Band Soundbite!

The Summer!

Things that you like are naturally included in your spare time. This goes for horn too! I hope we all like horn playing. If you do it should naturally follow that you play over the summer. If this sounds oppressive, then just play for fun! Any playing helps, even a little bit. I know how it is to just want to relax and do nothing over the summer (guilty!) but I hope that everyone can pick up their horn and play through etudes or solos that they like.

I certainly plan on playing. My goal is to go through the entire Schuller etude book (mentioned in the previous blog). I might also be practicing the Telemann horn concerto.

Because we aren't being pressed to play because of school, you should make sure to keep it fun! But also remember that learning and challenging yourself can be refreshing and invigorating. So keep yourself fresh over the summer! You will not regret it.