|
Boys have participated in marching bands in many different countries. The uniforms employed have beern very destinctive. Some as in Ireland and Scotland are folk costumes. Others such as in England have been associated with youth groups. Some countries as in Greece have military inspired uniforms. Most American high schools have marching bands and their uniforms vary widely, although military styles in the John Philip Souza tradition are perhaps the most common.
We note the formation of many town or village bands in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of these bands had elaborate uniforms. These appaer to have been all-male bands. We do not know yet, however, to what extent boys were involved in these bands. After World War I, these bands declined in importance as many high schools organized marching bands which tended to act as local community or civic bands. We have some early 20th century images, but we are not always sure if these are civic or school bands. Most American high schools have marching bands and their uniforms vary widely, although military styles in the John Philip Souza tradition have perhaps been the most common. We also note some Scout banfs in the 191-s and 20s.
We note the formation of many town or village bands in the 19th century. Some of these bands had elaborate uniforms. We have noted some vintage costumes which we assume are from these bands. These appaer to have been all-male bands. We do not know yet, however, to what extent boys were involved in these bands. Scouts and other youth groups in England have sposored youth bands been associated with youth groups. Several English Scout units have impresive marching bands and there are colorful tournaments held in which the bands compete.
We have limited information on France at this time. We have developed some information on town or village marching bands in France. Unlike some other countries, we have not yet found much information about Scout bands in France. We do not yer know if bands were less popular with French couts or if our information is to limited to accurately assess trends.
As in other European countries, many German villages and towns organized marching bands. We do not, however, have any information on German trends. The German Hitler Youth was noted for its drum and bugle corps. They accompanied marching Hitler Youth groups to keep the boys' spirits up on long hikes. They also participated in important civic and NAZI party functions. A German reader reports on The Knabenmusik Meeresburg . He tells us, "The band was founded after World War II in 1953 and has since then risen to high standards. They perform usually in summer at the Meersburger Schloss as well as other events. They are well-known not only in Meersburg and Baden-Württemberg but also other cities in Germany (Hannover). There have also been trips to foreign coiuntries, including the United States, Hungary, Norway, Moscow, Belgium, ruxelles and Hannover. In addition they can be heared by radio, TV or on CDs. They won awards at International competitions,as well. As a costume the 10-18 year olds wear a white shirt, red vest, black knickerbockerlike trousers, with white stockings, black shoes and a black hat with a white ring (Rokkoko style ca 1730-1780)." [Mueller]
Greece has a marching band tradition in two places. Kerkyra island (Corfu, with influences from Italy) and Asia Minor (up until 1922). This tradition has probably to do with the strong influences of Italy in this part of Greece. Boys often participate in marching bands in Kerkyra playing wind and percussion instruments. The bands participate in parades in Kerkyra at Independence Day, Ochi Day, Easter and Patron Saint Day of the Island (St. Spyridon). The boys wearing a very elaborate marching band costume. The uniforms appear to have an Itlaian influence stylistically. I'm not sure when the style of the current uniforms were adopted.
Marching bands in Ireland are theoretically folk costumes, but actually are based primarily on military uniforms, developed initially for Scottish units fighting with the British.
We notice a few photographs of Japanese marching bands. We know virtually nothing about these bnds. They may have been school groups, but we are not sure about this. The groups we have noted include boys and girls. We also notice the band bembers wearing informal uniforms--often with berets. Unlike American and European bands, there is not hint of a military influence in the unifirms. We do notice the children wearing berets. This is rare in Japan, especially for boys.
As in other European countries, many Dutch villages and towns organized marching bands. We do not, however, have any information on Dutch trends. The Netherlands also had Scout bands.
We do not have much information on the types of bands in Russia. Many European countries had village bands. We do not know if this was also common in Russia. As far as we can tell, school bands were not very common. There may have been orchestral groups, especially in the schools for gifted children. We are unsure about the Young Pioneers. During the Soviet era we believe that there may have been factory or workplace bands. Children of the workers may have participated. Hopefully some of our Russian readers will know more.
We note the formation of town or village bands in the 19th century. Some of these bands had elaborate uniforms. These appaer to have been all-male bands. We do not know yet, however, to what extent boys were involved in these bands. Presumably trends were similar to thise in England, but we have few details. Marching bands in Scotland are theoretically folk costumes, but actually are based primarily on British military uniforms.
Mueller, Reinhard. E-mail message, September 17, 2003.
Navigate the Boys' Historical Clothing Web Page
[Return to the Main marching band page]
[Introduction]
[Activities]
[Biographies]
[Chronology]
[Clothing styles]
[Countries]
[Bibliographies]
[Contributions]
[FAQs]
[Glossaries]
[Satellite sites]
[Tools]
[Boys' Clothing Home]
Related Chronolgy Pages in the Boys' Historical Web Site
[Main Chronology Page]
[The 1880s]
[The 1930s]
[The 1940s]
[The 1950s]
[The 1960s]
[The 1970s]
[The 1980s]
Navigate the Historic Boys' Clothing Web style pages:
[Kilts]
[Caps]
[Sailor suits]
[Sailor hats]
[School uniform]
[Youth group bands]
