Thank you Neil, but does the 'news' of the rebirth and new-burgeoning of interest in the physical music making of 'modern' metallic wind-ensembles, spoken of under the link in #3, not cheer you?
But on an even more lighter side, I discovered this...
"
What's the difference between a brass band and a silver band?
Ben Wheeler, Bristol
Quite simply the colour of the instruments.
James Gibbs, Cardiff, Wales
It is my understanding that it comes from the colour the instruments are - a brass band with all brass coloured instruments and a silver band with all silver coloured.
Sarah McManus, Hamilton, Scotland
About 20 quid.
Doug Hyam, London, UK
With brass bands the instruments are polished brass and often lacquered but the silver ones are brass with a coating of Chrome which is easier to keep clean and shiny.
Jack Hill, St Albans, England
About £200 an hour...
Paul, Ipswich, Suffolk
One plays music, the other is worn on the finger.
Ray Lang, Barnsley, South Yorkshire"
Add your answer
http://www.theguardian.com/notesandqueries/query/0,5753,-6760,00.html
As you see, I am not alone in my ignorance.