The (Un)popular Brass
Evidence from Czechia, Switzerland and Zimbabwe
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1558/jwpm.33424Keywords:
brass bands, tradition, Czechia, Switzerland, ZimbabweAbstract
This article examines the (un)popularity of brass bands in Zimbabwe, Switzerland, and Czechia from a comparative transnational perspective. Although shaped by distinct histories and cultural frameworks, brass bands in each country face declining participation and limited appeal among younger generations. In Zimbabwe, brass music is largely confined to military and church institutions and has failed to permeate the broader popular music scene. In Switzerland and Czechia, brass bands have shifted from once central cultural practices to niche roles, despite various modernization efforts. Drawing on interviews, survey data, and literature, this study identifies socio- cultural, institutional, and generational factors influencing the status of brass bands across diverse musical landscapes. It also questions the extent to which their participatory ethos aligns with evolving musical tastes. The article contributes to discussions on cultural sustainability, offering insight into the global challenges confronting traditional amateur music-making.
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