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bandmaster

bandmaster

1 5.8
A person who leads a band, often a military or marching band
  • noun
  • /ˈbændˌmæs.tɚ/
translation icon : director de banda
  • The original offerings included a two-year course of instruction for instrumentalists, a one-year course for bandmasters, and a six-month course for soloists.

Examples

  • Under the leadership of the bandmaster Neguinho do Samba, Olodum developed a new sound, samba-reggae.

    Academic text (1999)
  • James Parsons, director of the Greensboro Dudley High School Band, was assigned as bandmaster.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Now, new music was given out by the bandmaster.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • Once formed at the school, the Unit Bands began rehearsing together under their bandmaster.

    Academic text (2015)
  • He returned to the school as an assistant music teacher in 1853 and served as bandmaster in 1862 and 1863.

    Academic text (2015)
  • He relinquished his position as bandmaster around 1861 but continued to teach instrumental lessons until his retirement in 1863.

    Academic text (2015)
  • While the Naval School of Music provides some advanced training for bandmasters of the Navy, Marines, and Army, the Department of Defense relies heavily on conductors-commanders who hold advanced civilian degrees.

    Academic text (2015)
  • One of the first significant recorded events toward integration in modern military naval bands occurred in 1917 when Alton Augustus Adams was recruited to be the bandmaster for the United States Navy in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Kale's son Dilbahadur was promoted to general bandmaster of the Nepalese army bands, and Kale's career reached its zenith in 1953 when he was appointed bandmaster of the newly created Police Band.

    Academic text (1991)
  • The band marched perfectly in sync under the direction of their bandmaster.

Synonyms

conductor
vsbandmaster
64 4.4

A person who leads musicians in groups like an orchestra or choir

is usually tied to military or marching leadership instead of orchestral focus
maestro
vsbandmaster
64 7.6

A very skilled conductor or musician who leads an orchestra

is a practical leader for marching or military ensembles rather than honorific artist
music director
vsbandmaster
16 4.2

A person who leads the music for a group like an orchestra

is chiefly a hands on leader during marching or military performances
bandleader
vsbandmaster
9 3.4

A person who leads a music group like a dance band or orchestra

is more specific to military marching leadership rather than popular dance contexts
drum major
vsbandmaster
3 5.0

A leader who directs a marching band and leads it in parades

is focused on military or marching leadership rather than general musical direction

How Senior

conductor
64 4.4
bandleader
9 3.4
bandmaster
1 5.8

Surface Forms

bandmaster singular
bandmasters plural

Morphology

bandmaster = band + master (transparent) = band + master

Meaning is a straightforward compound: 'band' + 'master' = the leader or conductor of a band.

Etymology

The word bandmaster is made of band, meaning a 'group' (think of a music band or a 'rubber band' that joins things), and master, meaning a 'leader' or 'teacher', so a bandmaster is the leader who conducts and guides a musical band.