Bands structured around western wind instruments are among the most widespread instrumental ensembles in the world. These ensembles draw upon European military traditions that spread globally through colonialism, militarism, and missionary work, yet local musicians have adapted the brass band prototype to their home settings, such that today these ensembles are found in religious processions and funerals, military manoeuvres and parades, and popular music genres throughout the world. The volume engages three broad, but overlapping, themes: the first encompasses the military heritage of the band world and its expansion through Europe and beyond; the second explores the processes of localization of the military band model, encompassing shifts from military to civic bands, and the establishment of links between bands, place, and local institutions; finally, the third focuses upon bands as arenas of musical instruction and community music making. Based on their expertise in ethnographic and archival research, the contributors to this volume present a series of essays that examine wind band cultures from a range of disciplinary perspectives, allowing for a comparison of band cultures across geographic and historical fields. This book will appeal to readers with an interest in ethnomusicology, colonial and post-colonial studies, community music practices, as well as anyone who has played with or listened to their local band.