From Illustrious to Invisible: The Euphonium in Popular Music, 1880–1930

Degree Year

2026

Document Type

Thesis - Oberlin Community Only

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Musicology

Advisor(s)

Charles McGuire

Committee Member(s)

Charles McGuire
Kathryn Metz
John Gruber

Keywords

Euphonium, Baritone, Baritone horn, Wind band, Jazz band, New Orleans brass band

Abstract

To investigate the euphonium’s peculiar place in modern music, this thesis examines the instrument’s use in its greatest period of popularity: 1880–1930. The wind band experienced its peak popularity and decline during the turn of the twentieth century, establishing the euphonium’s popular reputation as a wind band instrument. Toward the end of this period, jazz bands eclipsed wind bands as the popular ensemble in the United States. Curiously, while other wind band instruments made the transition to jazz bands, the euphonium did not. To interrogate why the euphonium failed to find a place in jazz, this thesis investigates the euphonium’s sparing use within the jazz band and its prominent use within the New Orleans brass band, an ensemble influenced by the wind band that went on to influence the jazz band. Together, this trio of ensembles demonstrates how the social dynamics of popular music in the turn of the twentieth century influenced the euphonium’s modern “band-only” reputation.

Notes

Department: Musical Studies

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