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My name is Gillian Hibberd. Although I have no direct connection with the Brass Band Movement, I have, with my husband, enjoyed brass and military band music for over 40 years, and like many people who begin with little knowledge of the history of brass banding, I find it a fascinating and addictive topic.
In 2007 I was awarded a Masters Degree in Histories and Culture at Brighton University. My research project was based on the Brass Band Movement in the UK and was entitled the "British Brass Bands - Their History and Role in the Culture of Britain at the Start of the Twenty-First Century". I chose this topic carefully as I felt the research would be a very valuable resource for all having an interest in the movement.
My research was based on an investigation and analysis of the current role of the brass band movement in the culture of Britain, particularly how deindustrialisation, technological advances, gender and ethnicity have affected Brass Bands, together with an examination of what the future might hold for the movement.
The main conclusion of my research was that Brass bands like many amateur groups are currently minority pursuits, but upon examination they are far more focused and committed than many casual observers imagine, auguring well for their continued, albeit diminishing role in British culture. For many brass bands remain synonymous with the working-classes, but this is no longer true. The movement is an important and well regarded example of amateur grass-roots music-making taking place in communities all over Britain, part of British cultural heritage and tradition, a source of camaraderie and fulfilment to its broadly based participants, and pleasure to its audiences.
If you need any further information or would like a copy of my work please feel free to email me at brassbandsorg@gmail.com
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