A brass band is a musical ensemble generally consisting entirely of brass instruments, most often with a percussion section. Ensembles that include brass and woodwind instruments can in certain traditions also be termed brass bands. A brass band can still be an effective musical tool that does far more than just entertain. Some of the specific benefits that a brass band brings to individuals and the church are as follows:
Outreach – Music can grab people like words seldom do. As we step outside of our churches, we see that music can entertain, can draw attention, and can even bridge the gap between the often-insular language of the church and the world beyond our doors. It is also flexible in style and genre; adaptable to speak to diverse crowds in their own musical interest. Mark 16:15 “Go into the world. Go everywhere and announce the Message of God’s good news to one and all.”
Community – A brass band is a place to belong, a family. In today’s world of technology, where faces are stuck in electronic devices, isolated people working from home etc., we are more alone than ever before. A band can be a vibrant small group that actively engages in both worship and service together. Romans 12:4-5 “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
Discipleship – Every week, musicians gather in both rehearsal and worship, where they are exposed to the Word of God and challenged to grow in their faith and witness. Whether it’s through the weekly group devotions, understanding the words and meaning of the music they are playing, there is a huge opportunity to grow disciples. 1 Peter 1:12 “It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.”
Mentorship – We have few ministries in the church that are as cross-generational and welcoming of new Christians as our brass bands. How many of our young people have been mentored by that ‘seasoned’ musician sitting beside them in the band? They’ve been taught everything from musical skills, deportment, discipline, teamwork, commitment etc. Valuable skills that are transferable into so many areas of life. Proverbs 22:6 “Point your kids in the right direction – when they’re old they won’t be lost.”
Worship – Making music in this setting is an active expression of worship. God made us to be musical beings. It is one of the many ways that He communicates with us. Corporate and participatory worship brings us closer to both God and our fellow man. Ephesians 5:19-20 “Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Public Relations – Brass bands are a vibrant part of the Church ministerial corpus belonging to the ministry of Church music more specifically. This is most visible at Christmas, Church Feast, and various other celebrations and mostly at religious processions. It is a well-known fact that having live brass playing at an event creates opportunity to relate to those who are drawn by it. Proverbs 21:5 “Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind.”
Diversity/Inclusiveness – Age, race, gender…none of these things matter in a brass band. Instead, we become one. One in mission, one in ministry. Romans 12:6-8 “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
The history of the Katukurunda St. Mary’s Brass Band can be traced back to the time of Rev. Fr. Mahesh Ganemulla in the year 1990. It was started with just 6 girls playing melodicas. But with the dedicated leadership and guidance of Mrs. Theja Weerasooriya it was developed to be a full-fledged band with brass instruments donated by generous parents and other parishioners and benefactors. There was a time where this Church Band was a mixed band of both girls and boys. But today it has become an all-girls band. Since the year 2019 the Band has gone through a rapid decline and at present it has only a few volunteering girls about 15 in number willing to participate. Miss. Pramodika Aponsu and Mr. Tyrrell De Mel assist as teachers-in-charge at present. The present band has melodicas, Bass Drum, Tom toms, cymbals, trumpets, cornets, tuba etc. St. Mary’s Western Band needs both girls and boys if it is to be built into the maximum capacity of a 30-member band. Volunteering girls and boys below the age of 18 years are invited to join and strengthen the Church Brass Band.
Coordinators: Miss. Pramodika Aponsu (0715741231), Tyrrell De Mel (0777515511)
