Records show that the St Breward band was formed in 1899, after hearing another brass band perform at a village event. Local people were so concerned about the playing that they decided to form a band of their own - to see if they could do a better job. Except for the war years, the band has been in continuous existence. The first instruments purchased were all made of brass, which tarnished very quickly, had to be cleaned frequently, which in turn meant the brass metal got thinner and thinner and was easily damaged.

During the 1920s, silver plating was introduced, and the band eventually purchased a set of all silver instruments and, at the same time, changed their name to the St Breward Silver Band.