The Society has
been in continuous existence since 1973, when it was originally founded as the
František Kmoch Czech Bands Society.
In 2002 the name
was changed with the aim of promoting worldwide the music played by Central European
military and civilian wind bands. František
Kmoch (1848-1912), the celebrated Czech bandmaster/composer, has long been admired throughout Central Europe
for his memorable marches, polkas, waltzes and solo works.
Our purpose in
retaining Kmoch’s name in the Society’s title is to emphasise our special
commitment to the traditional-style repertoire in which true melody and spirited rhythm
are paramount.
Our definition of Central
Europe is fairly loosely applied, but basically consists of the area covered by the former
Austro-Hungarian Empire, together with Germany, Switzerland, and other bordering lands
with related wind band traditions. The
ensembles vary in size from less than ten players to the massed bands of several hundred
strong which are a feature of many outdoor events. Our
interest is mainly in the domestic repertoire of these bands. Hence our field of interest covers music by
Blankenburg, Eilenberg, Fucík, Jaeggi, Lehár,
Lincke, Teike, Vacek, Vejvoda and J.F.Wagner (as well as countless other composers, both
of the presentday and the past two centuries).
The Society, which has a truly worldwide
membership, aims to act as a means of bringing enthusiasts of Central European Band Music
into contact with others of like mind, to provide them with facilities and information
which will enhance their enjoyment of the music, and to spread further the appreciation of
this music by assisting and encouraging practising musicians to perform this music.
Members of the Society currently benefit from the
following principal activities and functions:
1. Dissemination
of information to members on composers, music, bands, recordings and events by means of an
annual Journal entitled “Ceská muzika” and a Newsletter published
several times per year
2. Help
in obtaining commercially-published recordings, sheet music, books and other information
sources
3. The
issuing of recordings featuring bands, music and occasions not normally covered by
commercial releases
4. Meetings
of members incorporating appropriate audiovisual presentations
5. Maintaining
close contact with appropriate Central European sources, both individuals and
organisations
6. Visits
to relevant events in the Central Europe and elsewhere
The annual subscription for 2009 is Ł8.00 (U.K.),
Ł8.50 or 15 Euros (Europe), or US$20.00 (elsewhere). A joint subscription is
available in the U.K. for two members of the same household at Ł9.00. If you would
like to join the Society, please complete and return the application form on the membership page.
