From rock & roll to jazz and classical music, this one-stop pedagogy source brings to life a detailed development of band history, its instrumentation, repertoire, function, social role, contest anomalies and industry products. Sixteen countries are explored from Europe through North and South America, providing the largest concise history (past, present and future) of instrumental bands published to date. In addition, railroad, industrial, prison, community, police, school, hospital, blind and Native American Indian bands are explored. Much of the material including the countries of Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Peru, and Russia is exclusive to this book and not published online or written about elsewhere. Tools for instrumental directors, music appreciation, history or ethnomusicology courses in education. Musicians, libraries, conservatories and researchers will have a fun and intriguing experience exploring, and printed YouTube links allow readers to watch exclusive ensembles in each chapter.