The history of the Moravian Brass Band Union of South Africa (BBSA) as told through the personal histories of members, and its contemporary role in the Moravian Church in South Africa (MCSA)

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis explores the history and contemporary significance of the Moravian Brass Band Union of South Africa (BBSA) within the Moravian Church of South Africa (MCSA). Established in 1951, the BBSA has played a pivotal role in promoting brass band music as an integral part of worship and community life within the MCSA. The research traces the origins of the BBSA, with its roots in the missionary activities of the Moravian Church and the establishment of brass bands within the mission stations, particularly in Genadendal. The thesis investigates how the BBSA has contributed to the musical and spiritual development of the church, highlighting its enduring role in fostering community cohesion and religious engagement. Through a combination of historical research and ethnographic methods, including interviews with current and former BBSA members and church leaders, the thesis documents the personal narratives of individuals who have shaped the BBSA's history. These personal histories, combined with archival research, offer a rich account of how the BBSA has evolved over time and how it continues to impact the lives of its members and the broader church community. The research also examines the BBSA's role in promoting musical education and the development of professional musicians within the church, noting the contributions of key composers and arrangers who have influenced the BBSA's repertoire. Furthermore, the thesis explores the BBSA's role in contemporary worship and community building, analyzing its contribution to religious services and its ability to foster unity among church members. It discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by the BBSA in the modern context, including its efforts to maintain musical standards and adapt to changing social and cultural environments. In conclusion, this thesis provides a comprehensive account of the historical development, cultural significance, and contemporary role of the BBSA within the MCSA. By integrating personal narratives with historical documentation, it offers a nuanced understanding of the BBSA's enduring legacy as a central institution in the religious and musical life of the Moravian Church in South Africa.

Grantor dc:publisher

Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Joorst, Rudolph Zacharias

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Muller, Stephanus

Language dc:language.iso

en

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/132007

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/132007