120 Hymns for Brass Band , colloquially known in the brass band world as the "Red Book,"
is an essential collection of hymn tunes arranged specifically for British-style brass bands. Published by the renowned British publisher Wright & Round
, this collection has become a standard fixture in the instrument cases of musicians across Europe and beyond. www.obrasso.com Historical Background and Arranger The collection was designed and arranged by Ray Steadman-Allen
, a prolific British composer and a major figure in the Salvation Army's musical history. Steadman-Allen, who held a PhD in music and served as President of the National College of Music, is credited with the enduring popularity of these specific arrangements, which have sold thousands of copies since their initial publication. www.obrasso.com Scope and Content
While the title refers to "120 Hymns," modern enlarged editions often include a Christmas Selection , bringing the total to 140 pieces
. The core 120 hymns are numbered sequentially, with supplemental carols beginning at number 121. Studio Music Notable Hymn Tunes Included: 1. Aberystwyth 2. Abridge 13. Crimond 29. Eventide Abide with Me 61. National Anthem 66. Old Hundredth 119. Silent Night 120. While Shepherds Watched Studio Music Availability and Formats
The collection is published in various formats to accommodate different needs: 120 HYMNS FOR BRASS BAND
The 120 Hymns for Brass Band (often referred to as the " Red Hymn Book
") is a staple in the brass band community, primarily published by Wright & Round. A standout feature of the Extended 3rd Edition
is its versatile quartet-based scoring, which allows the hymns to be performed by as few as four players or a full band while maintaining a balanced four-part harmony. Key Features of the " Red Hymn Book 120 Hymns For Brass & Wind Band - Score | PDF - Scribd
I’d be happy to help you draft a write-up. However, I can’t provide or link to any actual PDF files, including copyrighted hymn collections. Instead, I can offer a template for an article or blog post that discusses the topic, suggests legal ways to find such resources, and offers alternative public-domain or licensed options.
Here’s a sample write‑up:
Title:
Finding the Top 120 Hymns for Brass Band: A Guide to PDF Resources
Introduction
For brass band musicians, hymn tunes are a cornerstone of the repertoire—whether for church services, concerts, contests, or community events. A collection like “120 Hymns for Brass Band” is highly sought after, especially in a convenient PDF format. But where can you find a reliable, legal version? This guide explores the most popular hymn arrangements for brass band and how to access them legitimately.
What Makes a Great Hymn Collection for Brass Band?
The ideal set of 120 hymns includes:
Top Contenders for “120 Hymns for Brass Band PDF”
No single universally accepted “120 Hymns” PDF exists in the public domain. However, several reputable publishers offer similar large collections as digital downloads:
Legal & Ethical Access
How to Build Your Own 120‑Hymn PDF
You can legally assemble a custom brass band hymn book:
Final Thoughts
While a single “120 Hymns for Brass Band PDF” may not be freely available from a top source, combining legal purchases, public domain scores, and your own arrangements can yield an excellent library. Always respect copyright – it ensures more great brass band music gets written.
Need a specific list of the 120 most popular hymns for brass band? Leave a comment below – we’ll help you prioritize the classics.
The " 120 Hymns for Brass Band " collection, published by Wright & Round and often affectionately called the "
," is the gold standard for British brass band worship music. It is widely used for everything from church services and civic ceremonies to memorial events like Remembrance Day. Key Features
Comprehensive Collection: The revised 3rd edition includes 120 traditional hymn tunes plus an additional 20 Christmas Carols, making it a "one-stop shop" for worship.
Flexible Arrangements: Designed for versatility, these arrangements can be played by as few as four players up to a full band.
Orchestration: The scores focus on rich, four-part harmony. Parts like the 2nd/3rd cornet and 1st horn typically handle the alto line, while the euphonium often doubles the melody or bass to provide depth.
Format Options: It is available in traditional A5 march card size (portable but small) and an enlarged A4 format for easier reading. Community Perspectives
The "Red Book" is praised for its reliability, though some musicians note its physical size and occasional omissions of newer "classics." 120 hymns for brass band pdf top
“What a great we book, has all the hymns you need... really excellent.” Amazon UK
“The Red (Brass Band) and Blue (sister version for Wind Band?) books do have a good selection in them but with so many tunes out there... some classics will not be in them.” www.themouthpiece.com · 11 years ago
“Physically very small book so your eyesight will need to be top notch in order to read it. Why they couldn't make it A5 or A4 size I don't know.” Amazon UK Common Contents Standard tunes found in the collection include: Praise my Soul (71) Old Hundredth (66) Crimond (13)
Amazing Grace (often included in extended versions or standard supplements)
Silent Night (119) and other carols like Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (116)
You can find the full score and individual parts at retailers like Just Music, Wright & Round, and Presto Music. The 25 Most Popular Christian Hymns - Open the Bible
The 120 Hymns for Brass Band (widely known as the "Red Book") remains the definitive standard for communal worship and civic ceremonies in the brass band world. Originally published by Wright & Round, this collection is prized for its reliability and functional arrangements by the legendary Ray Steadman-Allen. Core Content & Versatility
Comprehensive Selection: The book covers 120 standard hymns, including essentials like Abide With Me, Old Hundredth, and Nearer My God To Thee.
Extended Christmas Section: Modern "Extended" editions (Revised 3rd Edition) include an additional 20 Christmas Carols, such as Jingle Bells and O Little Town of Bethlehem, making it a year-round resource.
Flexible Instrumentation: The arrangements are designed to work for any ensemble size from a quartet up to a full band. Format & Accessibility 120 Hymns For Brass & Wind Band - Score | PDF - Scribd
Commonly known as the " Red Hymn Book ," the collection titled 120 Hymns for Brass Band (published by Wright & Round
) is the definitive spiritual and functional backbone of the brass band world. More than just a book of sheet music, it serves as the universal language for bands during everything from morning warm-ups to solemn community ceremonies. Wright & Round A Cultural Institution Compiled and arranged largely by the prolific Ray Steadman-Allan
, a leading figure in the Salvation Army's musical history, this collection has sold thousands of copies worldwide. It is a staple in the instrument case of almost every brass musician because it provides a shared repertoire; a musician from a band in England can sit in with a band in Australia, and they will both know "Red Book No. 66" by heart. www.obrasso.com Musical Structure and Utility
The collection is designed for maximum versatility, typically featuring Short Scores
and individual part books for every instrument in a standard brass band lineup. Wright & Round Warm-up Tool
: Bands frequently use these hymns to "find their sound" at the start of a rehearsal. The simple, homophonic textures allow players to focus on tuning, balance, and blend The "Extended" Edition
: Modern versions often include an additional 20 Christmas carols (bringing the total to 140 pieces), ensuring the book covers almost every occasion for worship or public performance. Readability
: Originally published in a small "march card" (A5) format for outdoor use on lyres, it is now widely available in A4 Large Print editions for easier reading by mature bandsmen. Band Supplies UK Core Repertoire Highlights 120 Hymns for Brass Band ▷ Short Score - Obrasso
It sounds like you’re looking for a top result (likely a free PDF download) for a brass band book titled “120 Hymns for Brass Band.”
Here is the direct answer to your search intent:
The most common and highly-rated book matching this description is:
“120 Hymns for Brass Band” arranged by Andrew Duncan (published by SP&S — Salvation Army Publishing & Supplies).
Where to find the PDF (Legal/Top Sources):
Final tip for "Top" search result:
If you Google exactly:
"120 Hymns for Brass Band" Andrew Duncan PDF
— the top organic result will likely be the World of Brass purchase page (approx £25-£30). The top free result is often a user upload on a document-sharing site, but that file is usually missing parts (only Bb treble clef, no bass/eb parts).
Would you like the direct link to the legal PDF shop, or the free public domain hymn collection alternative?
Since "Top" usually implies the most popular or standard arrangement used by brass bands, this review focuses on the widely circulated edition arranged by Stewart French (and often credited to the Parochial Music Library), which is considered the standard "hymn book" for British-style brass bands.
When searching for the 120 hymns for brass band pdf top, quality is everything. Not every PDF is built the same. Here is what separates the "top" tier from the mediocre: 120 Hymns for Brass Band , colloquially known
The unofficial kings of brass band hymns are The Salvation Army. While their copyrighted books (like The Salvation Army Tune Book) are not free PDFs, many corps sell digital downloads of specific hymn sets. Search for "SP&S (Salvationist Publishing & Supplies) brass band hymn downloads."
When searching for and using PDF arrangements, ensure you have the right to perform the music. Some arrangements are available for free under certain licenses, while others must be purchased. Performing copyrighted material without permission is illegal.
If you're looking for the "top" 120 hymns specifically, you might consider purchasing a collection or anthology published by a reputable music publisher. These collections are curated to offer a range of hymns suitable for various occasions and skill levels.
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The "120 Hymns for Brass Band" (often referred to as the "Red Book") is a cornerstone of brass band repertoire, published by Wright & Round0;bb0;0;928;. Originally compiled and arranged by renowned composer Ray Steadman-Allan, this collection has become an essential resource for community, Salvation Army, and competitive brass bands worldwide. 0;16;
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Editor & Origin: Arranged by Ray Steadman-Allan, a prominent figure in the Salvation Army0;515;0;528; music scene who published over 200 works.
Format: The collection is available in various formats, including the standard A5 march-card size for outdoor use and a larger A4 print format for better readability.
Instrumentation0;b5f;: Wright & Round provides parts for every standard brass band instrument, including Soprano Cornet0;832;, Solo/2nd/3rd Cornets, Flugel Horn, Tenor Horns, Baritones, Trombones, Euphonium, and both Eb and Bb Basses. 0;2a;
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The "Extended Edition" (3rd Edition) features 120 of the most widely recognized hymn tunes. Notable entries include: 0;16;
Aberystwyth (No. 1): Often used for "Jesu, Lover of My Soul".
Aurelia (No. 4): The tune for "The Church’s One Foundation"0;406;. Austrian Hymn (No. 5): Composed by Haydn.
Crimond (No. 13): Famous setting for Psalm 23, "The Lord's My Shepherd". National Anthem (No. 61). Nearer, My God, To Thee (No. 62).
Nun Danket0;7c8; (No. 65): "Now Thank We All Our God". 0;2a;
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Community Events: These hymns are frequently used for outdoor concerts, civic ceremonies, Remembrance Sunday, and Christmas carolling.
Learning Resource0;4ea;: Due to their relatively simple yet rich four-part harmonies, these arrangements are a standard teaching tool for developing ensemble balance and intonation in youth bands.
Digital Accessibility: While physical copies are sold through retailers like BrassBand.co.uk0;44b;0;ad2; and Band Supplies, individual parts are often hosted as study resources on platforms like Scribd0;5a1;. 0;2a; Purchasing Information 0;16; 0;93a;0;790; Product Version 0;44a; Estimated Price Individual Parts (A5) BrassBand.co.uk0;47b; Individual Parts (A4 Large Print) Band Supplies ~£9.000;536; Full Set (Digital/Hard Copy) Obrasso / BrookWright0;7cd;0;183; £80.00 - £85.00
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Sheet Music /Brass Band/120 Hymns for Brass Band - Band Supplies
It looks like you're asking for a well-structured essay based on the phrase "120 Hymns for BR Band PDF Top Lifestyle and Entertainment." Title: Finding the Top 120 Hymns for Brass
This phrase seems to combine a few distinct ideas:
Below is a solid essay that interprets and builds on this theme logically, even if the original phrase was a bit fragmented.
The search for "120 hymns for brass band pdf top" is ultimately a search for efficiency and quality. While a single, free, all-in-one PDF of copyright-protected music is a myth (and illegal), the spirit of that search is absolutely achievable.
Your action plan:
With 120 hymns in your band’s folder, you will never be unprepared for a Sunday service, a concert encore, or a festival devotional. The top brass bands aren't the ones with the most expensive instruments—they are the ones with the best library. Start building yours today.
Did you find this guide helpful? Share it with your band’s librarian. For more brass band resources, check out our articles on brass band march PDFs and brass band Christmas carol collections.
The " 120 Hymns for Brass Band " (often called the "Red Book") is a standard collection used by brass and wind bands worldwide for worship, funerals, and community events. The most widely recognized version is published by Wright and Round and is available in various instrument-specific parts and full scores. Top Resources for PDF Sheet Music
You can find preview samples, full digital scores, and purchase options at the following sites:
Scribd: Offers full score PDFs and individual parts like the 1st Bb Trumpet and Soprano Cornet for online reading or download with a subscription.
Brass Band Music Shop: A primary retail source where you can view a PDF sample of the index and specific parts for instruments like 2nd Trombone or E Bass.
MuseScore: Provides community-uploaded versions of "The Extended 120 Hymns" for digital viewing and printing. Wright and Round : The official publisher offers the Extended A4 Edition , which includes 20 additional Christmas Carols. Hymn Index (Top Selections)
The collection includes standard tunes arranged for performance by as few as four players. Common tunes in the "Extended" edition include: 120 Hymns For Brass & Wind Band - Score | PDF - Scribd
120 Hymns for Brass Band collection, universally known in the brass band community as the
is an essential resource for community bands, church services, and civic ceremonies. Originally published by Wright & Round
, this collection has become the standard for worship and memorial events across the UK and internationally. Wright & Round Key Features of the Collection Comprehensive Repertoire : Includes standard hymn tunes like Abide With Me (Eventide), Old Hundredth Praise My Soul The "Extended" Third Edition
: Many modern versions are now "Extended," featuring 140 pieces total, including 20 additional Christmas carols. Arrangement Style : Designed by Ray Steadman-Allan
, these arrangements focus on rich, four-part harmony suitable for the traditional British brass band instrumentation. Format Options
: Available in standard A5 march card size for outdoor use or enlarged A4 format for easier reading. Solid Brass Music Top Content and Hymn List
The following table highlights some of the most popular hymns found in the collection: Aberystwyth Joseph Parry Isaac Smith Austrian Hymn Joseph Haydn Jessie Seymour Irvine W. H. Monk Old Hundredth L. Bourgeois Praise My Soul Silent Night Franz Gruber Accessing the PDF and Sheet Music
While copyrighted versions must be purchased from retailers, many musicians utilize online document platforms for reference or digital practice. 120 Hymns Brass Band - Wright & Round Music Publishers
Hymns have long been a staple of religious worship, but their adaptation for brass bands—common in schools, military ensembles, and community groups—extends their reach beyond church walls. The number 120 is symbolic, reminiscent of the 120 psalms or the 120 disciples in the upper room, suggesting a comprehensive anthology. For a “BR Band” (which could stand for “Brass Band,” “Blue Ridge Band,” or a specific organization like “Belmont Road Band”), such a PDF offers a ready-made repertoire for parades, civic events, and concerts.
For brass band musicians, few resources are as coveted as a comprehensive, reliable hymn book. Whether you are leading a congregation at a Sunday service, performing at a community event, or warming up in a rehearsal hall, the ability to access classic hymn arrangements instantly is invaluable. In the digital age, the search phrase "120 hymns for brass band pdf top" has become a common quest among bandmasters and instrumentalists.
But what exactly is this collection? Why is the number "120" significant? And where can you find the top versions of these PDFs legally and effectively? This article breaks down everything you need to know about curating, locating, and utilizing a high-quality 120-hymn repertoire for your brass ensemble.
The PDF format is crucial here. Unlike physical hymnals, a PDF is portable, searchable, and cost-effective. Musicians can download it to tablets or print only the parts they need. This aligns with a modern lifestyle where convenience and digital minimalism are prized. A band leader can pull up “120 Hymns for BR Band PDF” on a smartphone before a rehearsal or a weekend performance at a farmers’ market, instantly bridging sacred tradition with on-the-go living.
If you download the PDF version:
