Brass bands hold an important place in British music culture and some writers have characterised bands as one of the great achievements of the working class. This book is a tribute to the development of the brass band movement in the North East of England.

Dennis Taylor is a retired music teacher and he has been involved with brass bands for over 70 years. He is an Honorary Research Fellow attached to the music department of the University of Durham.

His desire is that the proceeds of this book go to the Brass Band Aid charity who are sponsoring and distributing the book.