Brass Band Is My Love

Abstract

Professor Sally Bodkin-Allen, a musician hailing from New Zealand, presents an introduction to Southland—a renowned hub for brass bands. Southland boasts a robust and proud heritage of brass bands; prior to 1900, the region was home to 45 such bands. Notably, the Invercargill Garrison Band, established in 1867, would recruit its members from these local provincial brass bands. Professor Bodkin-Allen holds the belief that music transcends all boundaries. She delves into the factors that influence young people’s decisions to either participate in or avoid brass band activities, and puts forward a set of solutions to address the barriers preventing youth from joining brass bands.A key point she emphasizes is that in New Zealand, learning any musical instrument—including those used in brass bands—is not a mandatory requirement.