ABSTRACT
This chapter traces developments in band music through the works of the principal arranger/composers, who have been classified according to the quantity and range of their output, bearing in mind their chronological place in band history. Most music written for contests was based on music from other sources, either from an opera, the music of a specific composer, or a collection of tunes with national or patriotic associations. Most were operatic or composer selections–collections of melodies, contrasting in style, speed, rhythm and weight, designed to test various aspects of bands’ capabilities–and particularly the qualities of their soloists. Edward Newton was a quite prolific arranger/composer; amongst his output were contest selections and fantasias, and concert items–mostly arrangements, marches and dance music. Most music written for contests, however, was based on music from other sources, either from an opera, the music of a specific composer, or a collection of tunes with national or patriotic associations.
