The Mexborough English Concertina Prize Band

Concertina band is an ensemble-based tradition built around families of concertinas (English, duet, and Anglo systems) arranged in choirs from soprano through bass, much like a brass band. It flourished in late 19th- and early 20th-century Britain, especially in northern industrial towns and within the Salvation Army. Repertoire centered on marches, hymn tunes, light classics, and popular dance forms (polkas, waltzes, schottisches), arranged for multiple concertinas to create a rich, blended reed tone distinct from solo concertina playing. Typical lineups feature treble, baritone, and bass instruments, sometimes with harmonium or light percussion. The style emphasizes precise part-writing, unison attacks, and bellows phrasing to emulate the clarity and balance of brass and military bands.