Brass bands are graded according to ability from A grade (being the highest) to D grade. The grading of a band can also be reflective of the commitment required, be it a once a week engagement for D grade, or 3 or more times a week for the A grade bands.
Competitions among bands usually consist of a combination of the following events; the performance of a street march, a test piece, a hymn, and an own selection or entertainment selection.
The American derivation of a brass band is notably varied from the English standard, in that sousaphones, saxophones, flutes and other instruments are included, and is more suited for outdoor marching or in sports stadiums.
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