Over the years brass bands have moved the spirit of New Orleans, marching through the streets, playing at clubs and accompanying the life of the city, from weddings to funerals.

Dating to the early 19^th century, brass bands – with their trumpets, tubas, trombones, saxophones and booming bass drums – continue to set the rhythm of the city. But now, they play in two widely different styles.

Older bands, like the Treme Brass Band, carry on a tradition long identified with the jazz clubs of the city, playing slow, non-amplified, but still rollicking numbers, their members dressed alike in black and white with white caps and ties.

A newer kind of band, which started appearing in the 1970s, is more likely to play in a louder, faster, electrified style, performing in whatever outfits suit their style. The Soul Rebels, is one such band their sound  heightens the level energy by adding funk and playing contemporary works.

Benny Jones Sr., leader of the Treme Brass Band, always had music in his life, most directly from his father, who played drums in the Eureka Brass Band. After founding the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Jones founded the Treme Band in 1975, naming it after the community where he has lived all his life. The band’s traditions include singing in Creole.

Lamar LeBlanc, leader of the Soul Rebels, has also been involved in music most of his life. After playing with the Olympia Brass Band, he formed his own band in 1990.

While the Treme band’s bass drummer, Lionel Batiste, 76, beats his drum in a more traditional way, without electronic microphones amplifying sound, the Soul Rebels tuba player, Edward Lee, promotes the newer, louder style, nearly blowing listeners back in their seats. And trumpet players Marcus Hubbard and Tannon Williams play in the highest register of the trumpet.

The newer band’s informal look has its critics, who say it takes away from the professionalism in the business. It seems to also remove the juke-joint feel of traditional jazz.

Jones says that while the newer bands may look, and sound, different, what’s most important is that all generations remember the foundation of brass band music and that the profession should be taken seriously.