bandmaster

American  

[band-mas-ter, -mah-ster] / ˈbændˌmæs tər, -ˌmɑ stər /

noun

1. the conductor of a military band, circus band, etc.

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bandmaster British  

/ ˈbændˌmɑːstə /

noun

1. the conductor of a band

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Etymology

Origin of bandmaster

First recorded in 1855–60; band ¹ + master

Example Sentences

The park became a major social center, especially with crowd-attracting acts such as bandmaster John Phillip Sousa, who in 1905 performed at the Casino Theater, an outdoor playhouse.

From Washington Times • Jun. 12, 2017

When forces converged in large encampments, one Union bandmaster later wrote, “the effect of the confusion of sounds produced can hardly be imagined.”

From New York Times • Jul. 1, 2016

"Granddad was the flute player and bandmaster in the Apprentice Boys flute band, but I learned how to really play from my uncle."

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2015

When we opened the double doors to Ives' studio the first things I saw were his battered hat on a shelf, beside it his bandmaster father's cornet.

From Slate • Sep. 20, 2011

As soon as enough unconscious men had been collected in the ambulances, the medical officer signaled the bandmaster to strike up the band and end the parade.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller