50 years of IGEB (1974-2024): Investigations into Wind Music: Past and Future Research Directions

50 YEARS OF IGEB (1974-2024): INVESTIGATIONS INTO WIND MUSIC: PAST AND FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS
For half a century, the International Society for the Research and Promotion of Wind Music (IGEB) has been dedicated to the study and promotion of wind music. This anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the past fifty years' significant achievements and look ahead to future research directions. This paper analyses the developments in wind music research since the founding of the IGEB in 1974, presenting key research findings and methodological approaches.
A particular focus is placed on preserving and promoting local, regional, and national traditions, which play an essential role in wind music. These traditions are not only carriers of cultural identity but also important sources for repertoire and instrumentation. To preserve and promote these traditions for the future, several strategies are proposed:
1. Systematic Documentation and Archiving: Local music practices are captured through audio and video recordings, written documentation, and interviews with musicians and composers. These materials are made accessible in digital archives to support research and education.
2. Support for Regional Music Competitions and Festivals: Such events foster exchanges between musicians and communities and contribute to disseminating and developing traditional wind music. They provide platforms for the performance and appreciation of regional music traditions.
3. Educational Programs and Workshops: Targeted educational initiatives and practical workshops transmit knowledge of traditional wind music to young musicians with the help of specialised music teachers. These programs promote understanding and appreciation of musical diversity and encourage active participation in preserving wind musical heritage.
4. Promotion of Exchanges Between Different Music Communities: Intercultural dialogue and collaboration between different regions and countries may support preserving and expanding wind music's diversity. The importance of networks and partnerships between music associations, orchestras and research institutions should be enhanced.

Future research perspectives focus on interdisciplinary approaches and the integration of new technologies to meet evolving wind musical, cultural, and technological challenges. These include:
1. Digitisation of sheet music and historical recordings: Digitisation makes valuable resources accessible worldwide and ensures long-term preservation. Digital collections facilitate the broader use, analysis and understanding of historical and contemporary wind music and its diversity.
2. Utilisation of digital media to reach a wider audience: Online platforms, social media, and virtual concerts offer new ways to reach a global audience and enhance the visibility of wind music. These media forms also foster interaction and engagement among listeners.
3. Development and detection of new methods for analysing and documenting Wind Music Traditions: Modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence and big data analysis, can be used to identify and interpret patterns and trends in wind music. These approaches expand the understanding of musical developments and cultural contexts.
My paper intends to emphasise the importance of wind music as a cultural heritage and as a living practice that requires continuous research and promotion and, with it, the future raison d'être of wind music research and promotion … and IGEB. The goal is to enhance the relevance and visibility of wind music in both scholarly and broader societal contexts and to solidify its role as an integral part of cultural life. By combining traditional methods with modern technologies, wind music can be preserved in all its diversity and simultaneously developed for future generations.