Bands may come and bands may go, but none like those found in a few small towns in the early 1800’s will ever be seen again.
Even in those days everyone loved gay uniforms. Some of the bandsmen wore home-made bandsuits which challenge description. The members of one little band in New England wore lined, red flannel trousers with dark but decorated coats. The bandleaders in those days seemed to concentrate on their hats. Some wore big plug hats with gay rosettes made of ribbon or flowers. Others wore gorgeous plumes. The men in the bands usually had cloth epaulets sewn on their shoulders; the leaders’ epaulets were trimmed so that they looked like glistening jewels. They usually wore whiskers, or at least well-waxed moustaches. The members of the bands, like their leaders, were often untrained and always unpaid. Though most of them could read music, many played “by ear.”
Human folk need some form of self-expression and music is an ideal mode for an individual to give vent to his feelings and voice his desires. Often the mousiest, quietest little man in town joins the band and insists upon playing the tuba or pounding the largest drum. It gives him a feeling of importance and the satisfaction of achievement. He may not make speeches, or write influential articles, but he can beat the rhythm or blow the loud “oompas” that set the pace for the whole band.
As America’s population increased, almost every village and town had a band. Their concerts in the public square became regular features. These village bands have done much for the advancement of music in our country. They have given more pleasure and delight to a greater number of people than any other agency. These bands have helped the love of music to find its way into the lives and hearts of the American people.
U. S. Military Bands
“When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe.” Thus wrote Henry D. Thoreau in his journal a century ago.
General Washington knew how a brisk, rhythmical tune helped hungry, poorly-clad soldiers on the march and also inspired them to fight bravely in battle. He felt that music was so important that he ordered forty to sixty fifers and drummers in each regiment of his army. The bands were chosen from the troops. These “musics”, as Benjamin Franklin called them, were untrained and each man played in his own fashion, but their music gave the Revolutionists heart.
The influence of band music on the fighting man’s morale has been recognized since historians began to write. A band, especially a military band, may inspire courage, a wish to fight or a will to win. It beats the rhythm for marching feet and gives a tune for whistling. Lively, tuneful marches send the troops quick-stepping off to the battlefront. Grand, triumphal strains herald the return of the victorious army.