A typical fanfare band includes trumpets, cornets, trombones, euphoniums, tubas and a full set of drums. The music they play is bright, bold and energetic — designed to be heard outdoors, over the noise of a crowd. When a fanfare band strikes up in a town square, people instinctively stop and smile.
Luxembourg has hundreds of registered fanfare societies, many of which have been playing together for over a century. They are run by volunteers who love music and their community. Children as young as seven can join a youth fanfare to learn an instrument alongside friends from their village.
The fanfare tradition is closely tied to Luxembourg's major events. At the Echternach Hopping Procession, it is the fanfare band whose music keeps ten thousand people hopping in step. At the Schueberfouer fair, fanfares play. On National Day, fanfares march through Luxembourg City.
Playing in a fanfare teaches children not just music but also listening, teamwork and timing. Every instrument has its own part, but the sound only works when everyone plays together at exactly the right moment. Many musicians who started in their village youth fanfare continue playing for their whole lives.