bandmasters
|band-mas-ters|
🇺🇸
/ˈbændˌmæstərz/
🇬🇧
/ˈbændˌmɑːstəz/
(bandmaster)
leader of a band
Etymology
'bandmaster' originates from English, formed by combining 'band' + 'master', where 'band' referred to a group or ensemble and 'master' meant a person in charge or teacher.
'bandmaster' was formed in modern English by joining the noun 'band' (meaning a group or musical ensemble) with 'master' (from Old English and Latin roots such as 'mǣstere'/'magister'), resulting in the compound used in the 18th–19th centuries for leaders of musical bands.
Initially it literally meant 'master of a band' (one who is master over a band); over time it has come to denote the formal role of conductor or leader of a band with musical and administrative duties.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the leader or conductor of a musical band, especially a military, concert, or marching band, responsible for directing rehearsals and performances.
Bandmasters from several regiments coordinated their performance for the national ceremony.
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Noun 2
(informal) A person who organizes and leads a community or amateur band, often handling both musical direction and administrative duties.
Community bandmasters often manage rehearsals, repertoire, and fundraising.
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Last updated: 2026/01/10 16:04