During the holiday season, concert bands perform many seasonal classics, but most are just arrangements of existing orchestral pieces. Here are five works for the holidays written specifically for band.
The St. Olaf Band celebrated its 125th year in 2016, prompting two authors with connections to the Northfield college to write a history book about the ensemble. Take a journey through its storied past in 'Milestones and Memories of the St. Olaf Band, 1891-2018.'
Celebrate the Fourth of July with our salute to U.S. military bands. Listen to the wide variety of music they play, and explore their history in our special program 'To Honor and Inspire.'
There is an uncomfortable truth about Henry Fillmore's most famous work for trombone. 'Lassus Trombone' was born and marketed in a crucible of racial stereotyping, minstrelsy, racism and Jim Crow. For those who are unaware of the racist background of Fillmore's signature piece and related works, or who might respond by saying, "It's not such a big deal," here is the story.
G. Oliver Riggs was a real-life Minnesota 'Music Man' in the early 20th century, creating and directing a few dozen bands, drumming up enthusiasm for band music, and raising money for uniforms. Now, great-granddaughter Joy Riggs is sharing his story in her new book, 'Crackerjack Bands and Hometown Boosters.'
How much do you know about the euphonium? One intrepid performer outlines the history and use of this underappreciated brass instrument.
The concert band is an ensemble that goes by many names: wind ensemble, wind symphony, wind band, wind orchestra, symphonic band — or just plain "band." But what exactly is a concert band?
Do you know what instruments play in a concert band? Here's your guide to the ensemble.
Why do we call it a 'French horn' when it isn't French at all? Horn player Emily Green dives into why so many U.S. classical fans have been calling the popular brass instrument by the wrong name for so long.
How well do you know American composer and band conductor John Philip Sousa? Find out with this quiz from Classical MPR and American Public Media!
