The Evolution of Military bands(1)

THE EVOLUTION OF THE MILITARY BAND

By Jack Kopstein

References to a Military Band, or at least to a group of instrumentalists performing for military purposes can be found in records dating back to biblical times. A good example of this is the siege of Jericho by the Children of Israel, when “the armed men went forth led by the priests who blew trumpets”. The army of the Israelites used these trumpets for their military ceremonies and displays and they are frequently mentioned in the Book of Joshua in dealing with the capture of Jericho. The Hebrews had a number of instruments that were utilized in various military and religious services. However, it appears that flutes (ugab), drums (tof) and trumpet (hazozra) represented the usual complement of the military band. These instruments used individually or in combination were directed solely to producing signals for the arrival of priests, or as a prelude to battle. It is highly unlikely that these primitive instruments produced anything more than a cacophony. … Continue Reading »

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