Brass bands around the world are famous for their renditions of religious hymns. Many bands started out as temperance ensembles or church groups in the early 19th century. The performance of religious music become increasingly popular during and then proceeding the industrial revolution when many mills, factories and other work establishments sponsored and encouraged their workers to take up brass instruments. The brass band tradition of hymn playing remains as strong as ever in the present day and many contests still require the performance of hymn.
The team at Score Exchange have selected the top 10 hymns for brass band. Click the links to view a preview of the sheet music and to buy the score and/or parts:
Will your anchor hold
Written by a Methodist Sunday school teacher, Priscilla Owens, Will Your Anchor Hold was originally composed for the school’s students. The hymn is often associated with The Boys Brigade and this arrangement is simple enough to be performed by junior ensembles as well as more advanced adult bands.
Abide with me
This is an alternative melody for the Reverend Lytes’ famous hymn, Abide with me. Most probably composed by R.G.Thompson in the late 19th century. It’s a great piece for rehearsals as well as for church services. The arrangement includes a good range of accidentals to test the intonation of the lower sections of the band whilst remaining challenging enough for the rest of the band.
All things bright and beautiful
William Henry Monk (16 March 1823 – 1 March 1889) was an English organist, church musician and music editor who composed popular hymn tunes, including one of the most famous, “Eventide”, used for the hymn “Abide with Me” (featured above). This arrangement was completed in January 2020 and was first played by Silk Brass at Glossop Old Bandroom.
Amazing Grace
A beautiful arrangement of one the best-loved and most performed religious songs of all time. The particular setting is based on an earlier arrangement for woodwind ensemble. The arranger has indicated that the piece is of approximately a grade 3 or 4 standard so would suit junior/remedial ensembles as well as higher level musicians.
Angel voices ever singing
With music by E G Monk (1819-1900) and lyrics by Francis Pott (1832-1909) this work was originally created for organ and choir but works wonderfully for brass band. The hymn became increasingly popular in the UK and America during the 19th century and again, is simple enough that it can be performed by bands of all abilities.
Evening hymn
This is a gentle piece that crescendos to a climax and then fades. The piece has a fairly straightforward chord progression supporting the melody. The arranger notes that the hymn will be great for concerts as well as for use in church. As with most choices in our list this piece can be performed by bands of almost all skill levels.
Axbridge
Axbirdge is a well known for many British and American brass bands. Originally composed by Prendergast and Sullivan in 1889 this modern arrangement was created by Jonathan Scott in 2016. The hymn works really well as a warm up for any level of band as well as making a great addition to any concert or church programme.
Blessed assurance
Blessed Assurance is one of the most well known traditional Christian hymns. The lyrics were written in 1873 by blind hymn writer Fanny Crosby whilst the music was composed in the same year by Phoebe Knapp. The triplet 3-feel employed in this arrangement offer an alternative mood to the standard hymn so it will make a great addition to any rehearsal or concert.
Be thou my vision
A simple 3-verse setting of the famous traditional Irish hymn tune for brass band. The first verse is for the whole band, the second verse for a small group and then the third verse is for full band with fanfare motifs on cornets and trombones. The arranger notes that “If you don’t want/need the fanfares, just repeat the first verse again” offering some flexibility of performance.
Mine eyes have seen the glory
Mines Eyes Have Seen The Glory is the name of this piece outside of the USA, whereas in America it’s known as Battle Hymn Of The Republic. A popular American patriotic song that brings about images of the civil war, the piece is a classical in the repertoire of most brass band wherever they are based in the world.
Score Exchange Team
