From various amateur musical practices existing in Madeira, the philharmonic bands represent the most visible slice of the associative, musical and cultural spirit, which was first founded in Funchal (1850) and then in the entire rural area, an unquestionable adhesion. Musical societies, based on the community that surrounds them, the world of bands continues to play an important inter-relational role, opening the doors not only for the music knowledge and musical practice, but also for the affirmation of towns and parishes. Until the 25th of April 1974, the absence of music schools outside Funchal, all the practical and theoretical learning activity was centered on the ‘‘school of the band ’’. An art, which counted only, with the persistence of the masters and the availability of those who wanted to learn. Many of the musicians, masters and composers that we honor today, went through these formations, giving themselves and their time, for a common purpose, a collective musical practice. Until the end of the 30s, of the last century, a whole movement of constitution of these societies, would lead to ‘’wind music ’’, to parishes such as “Arco de São Jorge” and to the island of Porto Santo. The rehearsal room, of some of these bands, also served as a school bench, for many who did not had a first opportunity to learn how to read, write and count. People who lived off the meager livelihood of agriculture, wearing the band's costume, on festive occasions, or putting on a pair of shoes for the first time. Difficult times, when the music made in the bandstand, was also a breath of freedom, in a personal and human valorization, that outside of it did not simply exist. The model, the formation and direction of the civil bands would be modeled on the military counterparts, and their masters would be hired by the most important musical societies in Madeira. So that hapenned with the Municipal Band of Funchal (1850), the Municipal Band of Câmara de Lobos (1872) and the District Band of Funchal (1872), as three oldest formations that for a long time disputed with each other not only aspects of rivalry but the talented military masters, unique to the time in the musical knowledge, specific to this type of group. However, it is undoubtedly outside Funchal that these band phenomenon gained expression. First in Paul do Mar (1874), then in Ponta do Sol (1882) followed by Faial (1895), Santa Cruz and Machico with musical activity already in 1896. The Madeiran philharmonic bands have an open door and promise a lot of activity for the 21th century. Above all, continue to train young musicians, positively marking their lives with group work, persistence and joy.

Photographic credits: undefined Museu Bandas Filarmónicas Região Autónoma da Madeira.

Credits: 600 Years of Madeira and Porto Santo