Development of Brass Band Music of The Salvation Army, A Study of The Mamprobi Corps

Abstract

This study focuses on the history and development of brass band music of the Salvation Army specifically Mamprobi Corps from the 1993 to 2016. The thesis takes a critical look at: the traditional performance practice, questions and resources of orality and modes of transmission, styles, type of instruments, transcriptions and analysis of some selected music performed by the band currently. The field recordings and the musical transcriptions of selected musical items clarify and support the research of the interplay of tradition, creativity, improvisation, innovation and the place of oral-aural modes of learning and performance, and stylistic traits in historical perspectives. Furthermore, the study examines the role brass band plays in the church, and non-church contexts, continuity and change. Finally, the research discusses the relevance of the Mamprobi Corps band today.