Your Book Live Music guide to hiring Brass bands.

What are the different types of brass band, how much does a brass band cost and our complete guide on how to hire brass bands for your event.

What are the different types of brass band?

There are four main types of brass bands which you might use for different events.

Traditional Brass Bands:

We often think of the Salvation Army when remembering brass bands. These days, there are lots of more modern brass bands who can play everything from traditional music to easy listening and pop covers. One of our most popular brass bands is:
High Society Brass Band: www.booklive.co.uk/band/high-society-brass-band

Military / Marching Brass Bands:

When we think of Marching Brass Bands we usually think of bands like the Royal Marines Band. Phenomenal brass band music plus miltary marching precision for parades, displays and outdoor performances. Many of the regimental military bands are now much harder to hire as they have been taken under a central wing. Fortunately, we have a couple of recommended marching bands who are available to hire. The bands are highly experienced, completely professional and, due to the sheer number of musicians, we can often hire out more than one band on a given date. Two of our most popular marching brass bands are:
British Marching Band: www.booklive.co.uk/band/marching-band

 

American Marching Band: www.booklive.co.uk/band/american-marching-band

Dixie Jazz Brass Bands:

Although not technically a proper brass band, dixie jazz groups are often associated with brass music. The smaller line ups comprise opf banjo, clarinet or saxophone plus sousaphone and then, with the addition of further instrumets like trumpet, trombone and horns, we start to get the unique flavour of a true brass band albeit performing a distinctly different genre of music. A good example of a dixie jazz brass band is:
The New Dixie Boys: www.booklive.co.uk/band/the-new-dixie-boys

Oompah Brass Bands:

The distinctive Bavarian sound of a German Oompah Brass Band is highly popular for themed Oktoberfest events. These bands will often dress up in Leiderhosen, play great music and entertain guests to create a unique feel-goo atmosphere. A good example of an Oompah Brass Band is:
High Society Oompah Band: www.booklive.co.uk/band/high-society-oompah-band

 

How much does a brass band cost?

Prices for a brass band depend on the number of musicians and Book Live has negotiated the best fees for all of the artists we represent. Typically, fees start from £550 for a quartet right up to around £3500 for a full scale marching brass band.

What is included in the price?

Everything. Highly experienced and talented musicians, great uniforms and superb music. All enquiries made with Book Live will include the total cost for the performance as long as we know all the information about your event.

What does a brass band need to perform?

Most brass bands have very few requirements for performances:

• A suitable performance area
• Around 20-30 minutes to set up.
• Hot food for each band member and soft drinks. You will get the best out of the band if you look after them whilst they are with you.
• A changing / chill-out area where they can also leave their valuables.
• Parking spaces to be provided or paid for.

 

Can I go and see the band before I book?

Some bands do have public performances but most don't as these gigs are usually in pubs and clubs and most of the bands we represent prefer not to do these. We've included as many live videos of the bands on their pages so you can see them as well as listen to their audio samples. Remember, too, if a band does have a public performance, they may get booked for your date by the time you get to see them. We are unable to arrange for any prospective client to go and see a band at someone else's wedding or private party.

How does payment work?

A deposit is due at the point of booking. Book Live can accept payments by Visa, Switch, Mastercard, Cheque or Bank Transfer.

Balance payments should be settled directly with the band leader either 2 weeks in advance or in cash at the event so they can pay all the band members promptly.

Why should I hire a brass band with Book Live?

Book Live is one of the UK's most respected entertainment agents supplying superb brass bands for weddings, parties and corporate events. We have worked with customers at the highest level (read more) and we offer a completely impartial service. We have pre-vetted all of our artists and offer a Peace of mind guarantee:

• All of our artists have been selected for their professionalism, musicianship and performance, so we know that every event will be special for all the right reasons. The Book Live team regularly go and see our acts perform so we know what clients can expect before they book.
• Public Liability Insurance and PAT certification can be provided on request for any performances.
• All bookings are secured by contract with both the client and the artist for complete peace of mind.
• We provide a 24/7 emergency number should you need to talk with us.
• Our artists all have regular deputy musicians so an event will never be compromised. In addition, Book Live can provide replacements for our singers in the unlikely event that something unexpected happens [subject to availability].
  
  

What else do I need to know?

We hope we have covered all bases. If you have a question then please get in touch and we will do our best to answer it.

Additional articles from the Book Live blog:

• Cheap Entertainment or Expensive Mistake?
• Wedding Entertainment Agency
• 10 things to know about hiring a live band
• How much does it cost to hire a band?

 

You'll find a full list of all of our Brass Bands here:
www.booklive.co.uk/hire/brass-bands

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