Concert band facts for kids
A concert band is a group of musicians who play mostly wind instruments. These instruments belong to the woodwind instrument family, the brass instrument family, and the percussion instrument family. Sometimes, string instruments like the cello and double bass are also part of a concert band.
You might hear a concert band called by other names, such as a wind band, symphonic band, or wind orchestra. People sometimes confuse concert bands with brass bands or marching bands. The main difference is in the types of instruments used and how the music is arranged, which is called orchestration.
Concert band music is often easy and fun to listen to. They play many different kinds of songs. This includes not just classical pieces, but also light music, jazz, marches, and popular tunes. You don't need to be an expert to enjoy concert band music. It's popular because of its great sound and modern style, especially since many arrangements were made in the 20th century. Many conductors also love leading concert bands because of their special sound.
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Types of Concert Bands
Concert bands can be found in different settings. They are usually grouped into four main types: professional bands, military bands, school bands, and community bands. Most of these names tell you where the musicians play.
Professional Bands
In a professional band, playing music is the musicians' job. They are paid to perform and practice. There are many professional concert bands around the world.
- Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra (Japan)
- Osaka Municipal Symphonic Band (Japan)
Military Bands
Military bands are concert bands that are part of the armed forces. Because their music is often strong and lively, concert bands are great for military events. Military bands, and sometimes marching bands, often perform for parades and ceremonies.
- Air Force Academy Band (United States)
School Bands
School bands are made up of students. You can find them in elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as universities. Students might play in these bands for fun, as a hobby, or because they are studying music as their main subject.
- Yale University Concert Band (United States)
- Korea University Wind Orchestra (South Korea)
Community Bands
A community band is a group of musicians from a local area. These bands are often supported by a town or city. Some players might be professional musicians, while others play for enjoyment. Community bands can also include groups formed by people who work together.
- The Philadelphia Wind Symphony (United States)
- Salt Lake Symphonic Winds (United States)
Instruments in a Concert Band
Concert bands use instruments from three main families: woodwind, brass, and percussion.
Woodwind Instruments
A woodwind instrument makes sound when air blows across a hole or through a reed. Examples include the flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, and saxophone.
Brass Instruments
A brass instrument is one where the musician blows air and buzzes their lips into a cup-shaped mouthpiece. This makes the sound. Even though they are called "brass" instruments, they can be made from other materials like wood or animal horn. Instruments like the trumpet, trombone, French horn, and tuba are brass instruments.
Percussion Instruments
A percussion instrument makes sound when it is hit, scraped, or shaken. This family includes many different instruments like drums, the xylophone, and maracas. The piano is also considered a percussion instrument because hammers strike strings inside it.
Images for kids
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A high school concert band—BHS Band in performance, 2013
See also
In Spanish: Banda sinfónica para niños
