The Early American Brass Band Podcast

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Episode 50 is our fantastic conversation with Dr. Gordon "Buddy" Cooke, author of the Anthology of Bugle Music. Buddy, Chris, and Stephen talk about the reserach that went into creating this book, as well as the history of how the bugle has been used in the United States military and civilian life.

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! The show is made possible by the support of listeners.

Visit our website for more free resources and show notes for every episode. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from The West Point Band Hellcats, and The 8th GM Regiment Band from George Mason University.

Episode Structure:

2:16 - Buddy's musical background
7:03 - Field music at West Point
13:17 - Distribution of field musicians throughout the Army's history
16:55 - Differences between bugles and trumpts, their uses
22:37 - The keyed bugle in the military
28:37 - Non-field music written for bugles, civilian uses for bugles
35:19 - Sousa's drum and bugle manual, the Marine Corps version of Taps
38:35 - Buddy's book "Anthology of Bugle Music", how the idea for the book started
43:42 - Challenges involved with researching and publishing a book
52:18 - Manual of French and European bugle calls
56:05 - Favorite bugle march and call
1:00:43 - Value of learning about field music
1:04:28 - Where you can find more about Buddy and his "Anthology of Bugle Music"
1:07:09 - Featured Album: "A Day in the Life of the West Point Hellcats"

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Episode 49 is our fantastic conversation with Dr. Joseph Jefferson about Shout Bands in the United States, an under-researched topic and not well known part of brass history in the United States. Dr. Jefferson devoted his doctoral research to Shout Bands, and talks with Chris and Stephen about the history and tradition of these musical ensembles.

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! The show is made possible by the support of listeners.

Visit our website for more free resources and show notes for every episode. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from various Shout Bands and The 8th GM Regiment Band from George Mason University.

Episode Structure:

3:13 - Dr. Jefferson's musical background, how research interest in Shout Bands began
7:54 - Shout Band similarities and differences to Salvation Army and Moravian traditions. Learning by rote
21:09 - House of Prayer timeline
24:03 - Similarities and differences to early New Orleans Jazz tradition
26:55 - Structure of Shout Bands
30:42 - Music Shout Bands play, and the function of that music
36:56 - Feasibility of Shout Bands in the academic setting
41:37 - Musicians who have come from the Shout Band tradition
51:10 - Dr. Jefferson's research, and others who have researched Shout Bands
54:32 - Where you can find more about Dr. Jefferson and his research

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Episode 48 features recording engineer Dr. Joel Crawford. Dr. Crawford is a former cornetist with Saxton's Cornet Band and author of "Performance Practice of Brass Band Music of the American Civil War: A Perspective from Saxton's Cornet Band". In this episode, we discuss Dr. Crawford's experiences playing with Saxton's, how he thinks it affected his musical career, how he would record an early American brass band, and much more!

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! The show is made possible by the support of listeners.

Visit our website for more free resources and show notes for every episode. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from Saxton's Cornet Band (Lincoln and Liberty, Too!) and The 8th GM Regiment Band from George Mason University.

Episode Structure:

2:49 - How Joel became involved with Saxton's Cornet Band and early American brass band research
5:20 - Advice to listeners on how to become with early American brass bands in their area
7:10 - Why Joel chose to write his dissertation on Civil War brass bands
8:20 - Joel's current recording engineer career
10:30 - How early American brass band experience influences current recording engineer career
16:10 - Experience recording early American brass bands
18:50 - Describing the tonal sound of an early American brass band
21:10 - The benefits of playing in an early American brass band
27:00 - Thoughts on how Fennell recorded the Eastman Civil War cd and bell direction
34:05 - An overview of Dr. Crawford's doctoral dissertation on Civil War brass bands and their performance practices
42:30 - Experiences growing up in a community band scene
45:15 - Any particularly special nuggets of information or newly discovered research included in the dissertation
50:00 - Wax cylinder recordings
54:40 - The follow-up possibilities for Dr. Crawford's research
1:00:28 - Plug Opportunity
1:02:00 - Featured Album: "Grand Pianola Music" by the UC College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) Wind Symphony

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Episode 47 is our conversation with Kenneth Serfass, leader of The Antebellum Marine Band, and Ulysses S Grant reenactor.In the episode we discuss Kenneth's time in the Marine Corps, what led him to start The Antebellum Marine Band, their notable performances, and how he started reenacting as Ulysses S. Grant.

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! The show is made possible by the support of listeners.

Visit our website for more free resources and show notes for every episode. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, and The 8th GM Regiment Band.

Episode Structure:

2:49 - How Kenneth became interested in American history and Ulysses S. Grant
7:36 - How Kenneth became involved in the reenacting hobby, how his experiences reenacting planted the seed for The Antebellum Marine Band
22:55 - Appearance and history of the 1800's Marine Band
32:05 - What got Kenneth excited about founding the Antebellum Marine Band
36:53 - How Kenneth started reenacting as General Grant, stories from appearances as Grant
40:07 - Filming as General Grant for the History Channel
47:40 - Advice for starting a band
49:13 - Notable performances with The Antebellum Marine Band
57:05 - What it's like being a period 19th century band in Gettysburg
1:06:32 - How reenacting has influenced Kenneth's bandleading
1:09:27 - Where you can find out more about Kenneth and The Antebellum Marine Band

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Episode 46 is our conversation with Kenneth Brungess, author of Gold Rush Maestro: The Journal of August Wetterman, and researcher of California Gold Rush era brass bands. In the episode we discuss the history of gold rush bands, the music they played, occasions they played for, and much more. You can find out more about Kenneth by visiting http://californiagoldandbrassworks.com. Show notes for this episode can be found here: https://eabbpodcast.com/episode-46-interview-with-kenneth-brungess-gold-rush-brass-bands/

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! The show is made possible by the support of listeners.

You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from the Gold Rush Cornet Band, the El Dorado Brass Band, and The 8th GM Regiment Band.

Episode Structure:

3:22 - Kenneth's musical background
7:15 - Kenneth's interest in the California gold rush, recreating the Columbia Brass Band in image and music
14:44 - Musical landscape of the California gold rush
21:42 - Makeup of California gold rush bands, types of music played
27:20 - The people of the California gold rush bands
32:34 - Difference between Cowboy Bands and Gold Rush Bands, types of occasions for which these bands played
37:27 - Repertoire, repurposing popular music of the day
38:29 - Musical example "Oh Susanna!"
44:35 -Activities of California bands during the Civil War
49:42- El Dorado Brass Band
57:20 - The Gold Rush Cornet Band
1:04:16 - Kenneth's 19th century instruments
1:06:30 - Where you can find more about the bands Kenneth has researched, his book, and the Featured Album
1:10:00 - Featured Album: Motherload! Musical Nuggets from the 1850's, '60s & '70s

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Episode 45 is our fantastic conversation with Randi Bulla, past President of the North American Brass Band Association, solo horn with Brass of the Potomac, and member of the National Capital Band of the Salvation Army. We discuss the history of British brass bands in the United States, NABBA, and the Salvation Army.

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! The show is made possible by the support of listeners.

You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from the Brass of the Potomac, and The 8th GM Regiment Band.

Episode Structure:

1:57 - Randi's musical background
4:29 - Beginnings of Randi's involvement with NABBA
6:36 - Youth music programs in the Salvation Army
16:03 - Salvation Army and NABBA's influence on each other
20:42 - Early British style brass bands in the United States
24:12 - Salvation Army influence on community British brass bands
29:48 - British brass band sound concept
42:15 - Developing style
52:43 - Borrowing repertoire
58:32 - Randi's involvement with the National Capital Band
1:01:12 - Where you can find more about the groups Randi is involved with
1:05:55 - Featured Album: Firestorm, Brass of the Potomac

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Episode 44 is our great conversation with Jim Ludlam, principal musician of the Fort Delaware Cornet Band, historian, and author. Jim speaks with us about how he got involved in 19th century brass bands, founding the modern Fort Delaware Cornet Band, recording projects, and his book The History of Community Bands in Salem County New Jersey. You can learn all about Jim’s projects at www.ludlambrass.com

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! The show is made possible by the support of listeners.

You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from the Fort Delaware Cornet Band, and The 8th GM Regiment Band.

Episode Structure:

1:14 - Jim's musical background
2:43 - Jim's interest in history, getting started playing in 19th century brass bands
10:51 - Founding the Fort Delaware Cornet Band
14:05 - What intrigued Jim about the 19th century brass band music
17:52 - Performing 19th century brass band music with high school bands
21:20 - Music as political activism, Patriotism, Protest, and the Music That Made a Nation, John Meecham and Tim McGraw
33:25 - Fort Delaware Cornet Band instruments, members, uniforms, repertoire
49:22 - Hazelton Liberty Brass Band recording project
1:03:34 - Jim's research for his book The History of Community Bands in Salem County New Jersey
1:16:52 - Where you can find more about the groups Jim is involved in, and where you can buy his book
1:18:21 - Featured Album: Down In A Coalmine, Music of the historical Hazelton Liberty Brass Band

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Episode 43 is our conversation with recurring guest Jari Villanueva about all things Abraham Lincoln. Chris, Stephen, and Jari discuss Lincoln’s love for music, his favorite tunes, relationship with the Marine Band, and how music impacted public sentiment during the Civil War.

Jari and his current projects can be found at https://www.tapsbugler.com/, and https://www.tapsforveterans.org/.

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! The show is made possible by the support of listeners.

You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from The 8th GM Regiment Band, and The Federal City Brass Band.

Episode Structure:

0:19 – Episode dedication: Bob Costello
2:31 – Remembering Bill Hall
3:24 – Abraham Lincoln as a man and President, the movie Lincoln
7:51 – Lincoln’s relationship to music
16:27 – Lincoln’s favorite tunes
23:27 – Lincoln and the Marine Band
28:24 – Performers at Lincoln's White House
31:17 – Mrs. Lincoln’s letter to the Marine Band
33:16 – Lincoln’s view on music in the Civil War, political music of the time
43:02 – The Battle Hymn of the Republic
48:44 – Lincoln’s relationship to Dixie
54:27 – Pieces written about Lincoln, why he is inspiring to today’s artists
1:06:43 – The Federal City Brass Band's " Hurrah for the Union!: Music of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War" album
· 1:15:42 – What Jari has been up to recently, and upcoming projects
· 1:22:04 – Featured album: “Hurrah for the Union!: Music of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War”, The Federal City Brass Band

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Episode 42 is our conversation with Dr. Tom C. Owens, Dr. Owens is Associate Professor and Coordinator of Music History and Literature at George Mason University. He’s internationally regarded as an expert on Charles Ives’s life and music, and is the editor of Selected Correspondence of Charles Ives (Univ. of California Press, 2007) and a member of the board of the Charles Ives Society. In the episode, we talk about George and Charles Ives, their music, relationship, and much more

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! The show is made possible by the support of listeners.

You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from The President’s Own United States Marine Band, and The 8th GM Regiment Band.

Episode Structure:

3:19 - Dr. Owens' musical background
5:27 - How Dr. Owens got interested in Charles Ives
7:06 - The Ives Archive at Yale University
8:44 - Dr. Owens' PhD dissertation topic - American sentiments in music
18:42 - Musical culture in New England in the mid-late 1800's, George Ives' early life and career
26:11 - George's brief service in the Union Army as a bandleader
29:03 - George's activities after the Civil War - Ives Cornet Band
32:51 - George's influence on Charles, their relationship
38:59 - Amateurism in music
44:56 - Town band culture, effect on Charles' music
48:43 - Band arrangements of Charles Ives' Music, Variations on America
53:34 - More correspondence between George and Charles, their personal and musical relationship
58:16 - Biographies of Charles Ives, looking back on the influence of his music
1:07:00 - Where to start if you're wanting to begin listening to Charles Ives' music
1:13:30 - Where you can find more about Dr. Owens' research and his book

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Our Season 3 premiere is here! In this episode, Chris and Stephen talk with John Connors - musician, reenactor, and historian with the 122nd Army Band at The Ohio National Guard, The 73rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment Band, and The 2nd Cavalry Brigade Band. We discuss his interest in history and reenacting, and how that field has impacted his musical career.

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! The show is made possible by the support of listeners.

You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from The 8th GM Regiment Band.

Episode Structure:

1:48 - Welcome, John's musical background
10:01 - Unique experience with the Marine Band
14:09 - How John got interested in American music history, and the National Guard
18:25 - How John began playing with 19th century American Brass Bands
22:52 - John's first reenacting experiences
27:55 - Forming of the 73rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment Band
31:22 - Ideas and thoughts behind Civil War reenacting
41:19 - Recent changes in the reenacting field
53:38 - Options for visual representations of bands in the 19th century
1:02:15 - John's collection of 19th and 20th century musical instruments
1:14:32 - Where you can find more about John and the groups he's involved with
1:19:00 - Featured Album: Brass Music of the Civil War, The 73rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment Band

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If you'd like to support the show on Patreon and gain access to the full-length version of this and future Q&A videos as well as exclusive content and more, visit us at www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate it very much!

We also have a Teespring store which you can visit at https://eabbpodcast.creator-spring.com/?

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress.

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The Early American Brass Band Podcast This album was released in 2003 by Crestmark Productions and features the Crestmark Military Brass Band from Logan, Utah (now performing as the 7th Infantry Regimental Brass Band). This recording features music from the Band of the 19th Virginia Heavy Artillery Batallion with arrangements by Randy Cabell and performed using modern instruments.

Purchase the album here: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000094WSS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_YY2F50CCN7ARJRKXHFCV

Music featured in this album review:

The Crestmark Military Brass Band - "Dear Mother I've Come Home To Die Quickstep", "The Alabama", Mocking Bird Quickstep", and "Bright Hopes Quick Step"

Bobby Horton - "Roll, Alabama, Roll" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-k4eUV6Ejg

Central Malay Choir - "Daar Kom Die Alibama" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=id5EpvQsFzY

angloconc - "Dear Mother, I've Come Home To Die" https://youtu.be/bH6IBKL-k-s

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

Teespring Store: https://teespring.com/stores/eabbpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

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Episode 40 is our Season 2 finale! We’re joined by David Goins of Saxton’s Cornet Band, Jari Villanueva of the Federal City Brass Band, Jeff Stockham of the Excelsior Cornet Band, and Bob Baccus of Olde Towne Brass. Together we all discuss the effect that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our personal music making, band activities, and the early American brass band community in general. We also discuss other ways the events of the past year have spurred reflection and conversation about the future of 19th century brass band performance.

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress.

Episode Structure:

2:49 - How COVID has affected personal music making, and band activity.
17:01 sec - Other areas of interest explored and projects undertaken during COVID "free time"
29:55 - COVID precautions while performing
32:33 - Gigs scheduled for the upcoming months
35:30 - How the pandemic has affected instrument collecting and prices
39:50 - Thoughts on the future of early American brass band performance
56:29 - Grappling with the legacy of "Dixie" and monuments
1:07:49 - Purpose of keeping this history alive, different ways to do it
1:20:08 - Upcoming events for Jari, David, Bob, and Jeff, and where you can find out more about each person
1:33:41- Featured Albums: Sounds from the Opera House (Saxton’s Cornet Band), Hurrah for the Union (Federal City Brass Band), Yankee Bands in Dixie’s Land (Olde Towne Brass), Cheer, Boys, Cheer! (excelsior cornet band)

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Episode 39 is an interview with host and newly minted Dr. Christopher Troiano! Dr. Troiano discusses his doctoral dissertation “From Antiquity to Academia: A History of Early American Brass Bands and a Way Forward for their Adaptation Within Institutions of Higher Learning” and the 8th GM Regiment Band. Lots of time and effort went into researching and writing this dissertation, and we’re excited to share this research!

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress.

2:44 - How Dr. Troiano came to write a dissertation on Early American Brass Bands
6:41 - Brass music before and during The American Brass Band Movement
14:10 - How early American brass ensembles are different from the brass bands of today
22:41 - How Dr. Troiano compiled the list of currently active early American brass bands, similarities of these bands
27:01 - When the "revival" of early American brass bands took place and what inspired it
30:47 - How and when the modern day early American brass bands got their instruments
36:21 - Lack of band history in college curricula
45:14 - The value of early American brass bands in college music history courses
48:09 - Value of early American brass bands as a performance option in a college setting
51:50 - Forming the 8th GM Regiment Band at George Mason, appearance and goals
58:46 - Influence of the Civil War on these bands in an academic setting
1:06:58 - 19th century repertoire, influence on 20th and 21st century repertoire
1:15:56 - Where you'll be able to find Dr. Troiano's dissertation when it's available, additional resources on our website
1:17:05 - Featured Album: Dr. Troiano’s lecture recital

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Episode 38 is our great conversation with Dr. Kathryn Pewenofkit Briner, early horn researcher and performer. We talk about her interest in the early horn in Europe and America, her project "Lost Legacy: The Horn in Early America" and her current studies in linguists relating to her family's Native American heritage.

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress.

Episode Structure:

2:02 - Dr. Briner's musical background
3:55 - Where Dr. Briner's interest in historical horn began
7:25 - How historical horn performers find their instruments - reproductions and original horns
10:50 - A brief history of the horn
16:09 - How the horn made its way to America and how it was faring in the musical culture
22:20 - The move from natural horns to valve horns
26:04 - Horn soloists in the 1700's and 1800's
29:02 - Overview of Dr. Briner's "Lost Legacy" project
31:08 - The horn's connection to slavery in antebellum America
32:47 - Notable horn teachers in early America
35:45 - Availability and makers of horns in early America
39:05 - Highlights from Dr. Briner's research, topics for further exploration
44:57 - Female horn players in Early America
49:53 - Implications of Dr. Briner's research
53:33 - Dr. Briner's small collection of early horns
57:40 - Dr. Briner's Native American family history and current studies in linguistics
1:09:26 - Where you can find more bout Dr. Briner and her research
1:14:05 - Featured Album: Brahms, Beethoven: Music for Horn

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Episode 37 is our conversation with Bernhard Kirchner, instrument curator and arranger for the Dodworth Saxhorn Band. We discuss the history of the original Dodworth band, their performances and travels, and the current day band as well as Bernhard’s various roles in the band.

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, and the Dodworth Saxhorn Band.

Episode Structure:

2:08 - Bernhard's musical background
16:54 - The 19th century Dodworth Band
30:01 - Instrument makers, instrument development
33:04 - Final years of the 19th century Dodworth Band
38:10 - Today's Dodworth Saxhorn Band
46:18 - Notable performances of the modern Dodworth Saxhorn Band, music performed, makeup of the band
53:44 - How Bernhard got involved with the band, band owned instruments
1:13:38 - Arranging for the Dodworth Saxhorn Band
1:22:09 - Value and relevance of 19th century bands today
1:24:26 - Where you can find more about the Dodworth Saxhorn Band
1:28:40 - Featured Album: Tradition of the Season, the Dodworth Saxhorn Band

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Episode 36 is our enthusiastic conversation with Andrew Kershaw, founder of Queen Victoria’s Consort, and former principal tuba of Opera House in Santiago, Chile. We talk about ophicleides, tubas, and Queen Victoria’s Consort - a Victorian era brass ensemble performing period music on instruments from the Victorian era and in traditional Victorian dress while making the music and instruments exciting and engaging to the general public.

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, and Queen Victoria’s Consort.

Episode Structure:

3:23 - Andrew's musical background
6:21 - How Andrew got interested and first involved with playing and studying historical instruments
10:11 - Period instrument sound vs. modern instrument sound
11:57 - Queen Victoria's Consort, formation, goals, performances
16:00 - Repertoire and instrument evolution and selection
24:58 - Queen Victoria's Consort instrumentation and instruments used
28:43 - Thoughts on authenticity, appearance of the group
33:50 - Highlighted instruments from Andrew's collection
39:00 - How Andrew acquires instruments for his collection
43:56 - Brief history of ophicleides, instrument development
59:48 - Historic performers and their influence on instrument development
1:21:26 - Where you can find more about Queen Victoria's Consort and their upcoming virtual concert

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Episode 35 is our great conversation with Dr. Ralph Dudgeon, keyed bugle performer and researcher. We talk about the history of the keyed bugle, notable performers in the 19th and 20th centuries, Dr. Dudgeon’s recording and research projects, and thoughts on historical music in today’s musical culture.

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, Music for Keyed Bugle by Ralph Dudgeon, and Antique Brassesby the London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble.

Episode Structure:

2:20 - Dr. Dudgeon's musical background
15:42 - How Dr. Dudgeon got interested in historical instruments
18:57 - Dr. Dudgeons beginnings on the keyed bugle
24:30 - Keyed bugle performers in the 20th century
26:47 - History of the keyed bugle
32:29 - Difference between keyed trumpets and keyed bugles
35:38 - Public reception of the keyed bugle and notable makers
44:35 - More 19th century keyed bugler performers
47:55 - Music for the keyed bugle
50:19 - Information about Ned Kendall, 19th century keyed bugle player
51:53 - Musical example "Wood Up Quickstep"
1:00:04 - Musical example "Adagio and Polonaise"
1:01:37 - Dr. Dudgeon's instrument collection
1:09:00 - Current reproductions of keyed bugles
1:11:35 - Thoughts on what value historical music has in today's musical world
1:17:46 - Advice for people wanting to learn keyed bugle
1:20:39 - Where you can find Dr. Dudgeon's books and recordings
1:26:33 - Featured Album: Antique Brasses, London Gabrieli Brass Ensemble

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We have an announcement! We are tweaking our tiers on Patreon. Please consider supporting the show through Patreon or Teespring. By supporting the show, you help us defray some of the out-of-pocket costs it takes to run the show each week. Thank you for your consideration!

You can visit these stores at:

https://teespring.com/stores/eabbpodcast

https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast

Patreon is essentially a membership service, where you join at one of our 3 monthly tiers, and each tier has a few different benefits.

Teespring is our online merchandise store, where you can buy apparel and accessories that are branded with our logo to show your support in a public way.

There is no obligation to support on either platform, but we do greatly appreciate any support you feel compelled to offer. Supporting will help us keep the show going long into the future and branch out into other types of content while growing our audience and the Early American Brass Band community!

www.eabbpodcast.com

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The Early American Brass Band Podcast Hosts Chris and Stephen are joined by the founder of Newberry's Victorian Cornet Band Michael O'Connor to discuss their newest album titled "The Gilded Age - Late 19th Century Music for American Wind Band, a truly fantastic recording of 19th century music performed on period instruments and mouthpieces.

To purchase the album, visit: https://www.msrcd.com/catalog/cd/MS1726?fbclid=IwAR17-L9rmlA1DAOWNz4HaypJ5zzWOfBqvNTxokqL6qw2hfW2VNegy1BVdTU

For more information on Newberry's Victorian Cornet Band, visit: https://www.facebook.com/newberryband

Music in this episode comes from "The Gilded Age"

L’Estudiantina Waltz, Émile Waldteufel

Salute to New York March, Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore

Fantasia “La Sonnambula”, Ernesto Cavallini

Semper Fidelis, John Philip Sousa

Serenade “Good Night Beloved”, Ciro Pinsuti

“I Am Up” Quickstep, Thomas Coates

The Battle Cry of Freedom, Allesandro Liberati

Through the Air, August Damm

Yankee Tickle Medley, Edward Beyer

You can now support the show on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast) and Teespring (https://teespring.com/stores/eabbpodcast)! No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

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Episode 34 is our interview with SFC Kevin Lynch of the United States Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps. We talk about the history and duties of this unique unit as well as their role in preserving the military music traditions of the United States Army.

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress.

Episode Structure:

4:06 - Kevin’s musical background
6:30 - What the audition for the Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps was like
10:26 - Field music and the musician’s role in the early military. History of the Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps
17:00 - Larger history of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment - The Old Guard
20:21 - Day to day duties of the Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps, preserving history
27:00 - Authenticity - balancing historical accuracy with the demands of the job and staying relevant
37:35 - Music of the Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps. Historical Trumpets and Historical Flutes
45:20 - Historical music playing outside of Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps
49:15 - Where you can find out more about the Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps
51:24 - Featured Album: The Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps, Celebrating 50 Years

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Episode 33 is our conversation with Dr. Nathan Miller, Assistant Professor at Asbury University, Alto Horn player with High Bridge Brass, the Lexington Brass Band, and Saxton’s Cornet Band, Salvation Army member, and Willson Artist. We talk about the history of the Salvation Army and their musical traditions, brass bands in America independent of British Brass Bands, and larger points about band culture in the United States.

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, and High Bridge Brass.

Episode Structure:

2:08 - Dr. Miller’s musical background
14:50 - Salvation Army musical history
19:25 - Why the Salvation Army gravitated toward brass instruments, and how that tradition spread. Dr. Miller’s research
24:50 - Type of music the Salvation Army bands have played
29:12 - Instrument names: Alto Horn vs Tenor Horn
34:07 - Instrumentation and publishing of Salvation Army music
40:30 - Comparing the Salvation Army and Moravian musical traditions
43:18 - Musical excerpt - Shenandoah, High Bridge Brass
44:14 - Origins and forming of High Bridge Brass
50:30 - Discussing band culture in the United States
1:00:28 - Saxton’s Cornet Band
1:06:07 - Asbury University’s planned Brass Band Institute, brass bands as educational tools in smaller rural schools
1:15:42 - Where you can find more about High Bridge Brass, Willson Band Instruments
1:20:10 - Featured Album: High Bridge Brass, self titled album

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Episode 32 is a fantastic conversation with Dr. Joanna Ross Hersey, President of the International Women’s Brass Conference, Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Yamaha and Parker Mouthpiece Performing Artist, composer, and arranger. We discuss her research into women brass players in 19th century America, and discuss many larger points about the importance of representation and diversity in music instruction, research, thinking, and writing.

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress.

Episode Structure:

2:26 - Dr. Hersey's musical background
7:15 - Dr. Hersey's undergraduate and graduate studies
13:26 - Dr. Hersey's dissertation research on women brass players and larger points regarding considerations for telling this history
23:10 - Importance of including the history of everyone when teaching music
34:23 - Highlights from Dr. Hersey's dissertation, Boston Fadette Lady Orchestra, women in music at the university level
38:18 - Helen May Butler, Lora Antoinette Reiter, vaudeville
41:30 - Importance of sharing and including these musicians when teaching, International Women's Brass Conference
44:25 - Expectations and experiences, how they vary for different people
51:13 - The Dungill Family Concert Company
54:04 - Geographic effects on who played brass instruments
1:01:45 - Diversifying repertoire
1:09:23 - How we can learn from the past and use it to craft a better future
1:13:48 - Where you can find more about Dr. Hersey
1:16:26 - Featured Album: Dr. Joanna Ross-Hersey: O Quam Miribilis

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Episode 31 is our conversation with Bill Gay - founder of the 2nd Cavalry Brigade Band and experienced Civil War brass band reenactor and leader. We also talk about his time with and experiences starting both the Americus Brass Band and Saxton’s Cornet Band as well as his organizing and leading efforts in Ohio.

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from the 2nd Cavalry Brigade Band and Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress.

Episode Structure:

2:11 - Bill's musical background and how he got involved with reenacting bands
4:54 - Forming the Americus Brass Band - instruments, music, early gigs
14:49 - Rejoining the Americus Band for the 125th anniversary reenactments
17:50 - Moving to Kentucky and forming Saxton's Cornet Band
21:54 - Role of living history presentations in modern society
27:02 - Bill's activities after Saxton's Cornet Band - Cavalry Bands
29:44 - History of cavalry bands during the Civil War
38:06 - Audio of the 2nd Cavalry BrigadeBand in Parade
39:11 - Goals of the 2nd Cavalry Brigade Band
42:51 - Different business philosophies for running these bands
46:21 - Non-brass band projects Bill is involved in
52:00 - Mounted military bands in other countries, gigs the 2nd Cavalry Brigade Band has played
55:49 - Where you can find more about the 2nd Cavalry Brigade Band
1:00:30 - Where you can find more about the 2nd Cavalry Brigade Band
1:05:35 - Featured Album: Saxton's Cornet Band "Music of the Civil War"

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The Early American Brass Band Podcast

Hosts Chris and Stephen share their thoughts on Saxton's Cornet Band's new album "Sounds from the Opera House." You can purchase the album on iTunes, and stream it on Spotify and Apple Music. iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/album/sounds-from-the-opera-house/1544392054

Saxton's Cornet Band Website: https://www.saxtonscornetband.net/

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give. Teespring Store: https://teespring.com/stores/eabbpodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

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Episode 30 is our conversation with Dr. Richard Birkemeier of the Americus Brass Band. We discuss the historical Americus band from Georgia as well as the current Americus Brass band, their past recording projects, movies and tv shows, and touring shows.

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress.

Episode Structure:

2:00 - Richard's musical background and how he got involved with early American brass bands
5:52 - The beginnings of The Americus Brass Band at Cal State Long Beach, acquiring instruments
9:24 - The Historical Americus Brass Band from the 19th century
18:25 - African American brass bands after the American Civil War
22:14 - Why the present day Americus Brass Band chose to model themselves after the historic band
25:30 - Movie and TV projects the Americus Band was involved in: Gettysburg, Glory, North and South
30:49 - Specific stories about North and South and Glory. Recording Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman and Disney's Hidalgo
37:18 - Recording Music of the Civil War, the album's reach and impact
43:29 - Americus' touring shows
48:49 - Response to the touring shows
58:05 - Where you can find more about the Americus Brass Band
59:01 - Closing thoughts
1:00:45 - Featured Album: Americus Brass Band, Music of the Civil War

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Episode 29 is our conversation with Steve Dillon, instrument collector and owner of Dillon Music in Woodbridge NJ. We loved having him on the show and can’t wait to have him on again to get into more topics. In this episode, we talk mainly about his collecting, historical brass instruments, Arthur Pryor, and brass and concert bands in the 29th century.

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress.

Episode Structure:

2:13 - Interview with Steve Dillon - Steve's musical background
4:11 - Early days of Steve buying/selling/trading instruments, how that evolved into owning and operating Dillon Music in Woodbridge, NJ.
6:50 - Steve's personal instrument collecting
8:30 - How Steve got interested in collecting fifes
10:42 - How to date fifes, general conversation about instrument production in the United States
12:19 - Reenacting as a fifer
15:30 - Background on Arthur Pryor, and how Steve came to own Pryor's trombone
21:50 - The path Pryor's trombone took from the time he passed to Steve purchasing it
23:20 - Some of the brass instrument collections Steve has sold to museums over the years
26:00 - Restoring the Harvard Tuba at Dillon Music
34:57 - Instruments being recycled as shell casings during WWII
35:51 - Instruments Steve has on display at Dillon Music
36:57 - 2-bell instrument possibly made by Conn for Simone Mantia
46:09 - Accessibility of historical instruments, historical instrument quality, recording Slide Partners with Joe Alessi
52:45 - Simone Mantia and instrument maintenance
56:06 - Period vs. modern mouthpieces
57:40 - Brass and concert bands in the 19th century
1:04:21 - Where you can find more about Steve's store and research
1:06:35 - Featured Album: Slide Partners

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Episode 28 is our great conversation with Dr. Sabine Klaus, the Joe R. and Joella F. Utley Curator of Brass Instruments and Professor of Music at the National Music Museum, and University of South Dakota. We talk about her experience in the museum field, the history and development of the National Music Museum, the Utley Collection of brass instruments at the museum, and her books Trumpets and Other High Brass.

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress.

Episode Structure:

2:29 -Dr. Klaus' background
14:19 - History of the National Music Museum
20:06 - How the museum grew and changed over time
22:27 - History of The Joe R. & Joella F. Utley Collection
32:48 - How cataloguing this collection led to Dr. Klaus' books and the online resources associated with the collection
35:19 - Moving the collection from South Carolina to South Dakota
37:51 - How the Utley collection is stored and displayed at the National Music Museum
45:20 - Highlights of The Utley Collection
50:19 - How the museum determines what instruments get displayed and what instruments get stored, new displays at the museum
53:28 - How the instruments in the museum are maintained
56:40 - Thoughts on restoring instruments vs. preserving them as physical objects, playing instruments in the collection
1:02:25 - Using an acoustic measuring device to predict how an instrument may sound if played to help determine the quality of an instrument
1:05:31 - Dr. Klaus' books Trumpets and Other High Brass
1:17:44 - Featured Album: Trumpets and Other High Brass DVD and audio examples

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Episode 27 is a great conversation with Kyle Dalton of the National Museum of Civil War Medicine about the medical duties Civil War bandsmen carried out during the war, and all things Civil War medical history. We’re very grateful to Kyle for coming on the show and sharing his knowledge and research with us! You can find more about Kyle and the museum here: www.civilwarmed.org

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! For more details, visit www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast or www.teespring.com/stores/eabbpodcast. No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, and features perhaps the only recording of Our Lady of the Hospital, sung by soprano Kaley Harman, accompanied by collaborative pianist Matt Warfield-May.

Episode Structure:

4:04 - Interview with Kyle Dalton Interview: Kyle's background
6:46 - History of The National Museum of Civil War Medicine
11:27 - Thoughts on how the historiography of the Civil War has changed recently, medical aspects of Civil War History
15:07 - Brief history of medical evacuation before and during the beginning of the American Civil War, the Band's medical duties
19:38 - Ethics of medical treatment during the American Civil War
23:19 - What life was like for a stretcher bearer in the American Civil War
25:21 - Bandsmen's medical duties beyond stretcher bearing
29:50 - Layout of hospitals in relation to battlefields, chain of survival during the American Civil War
33:39 - History of the Union Ambulance Corps
39:59 - Civil War medical developments and setbacks
45:53 - Final thoughts on the bandsmen's medical contributions
55:29 - How you can get in touch with Kyle and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine
59:00 - Featured Recording: Our Lady of The Hospital

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Episode 26 is our conversation with composer Anthony O’Toole. We primarily focus on three of Anthony’s pieces: A New Birth of Freedom, The Battle Cry of Freedom, and Butler’s Blunders. All three of these pieces were inspired by or in some way connected to 19th century brass bands and Anthony’s love of history. Along the way, we talk about many other general aspects of music making and composing, and we really enjoyed Anthony’s insights and thoughts on music in a general sense.

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! For more details, visit www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast or https://teespring.com/stores/eabbpodcast. No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from Anthony O’Toole, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, and The 8th GM Regiment Band.

Episode Structure:

4:09 - Anthony's musical background, how his composition projects get started
9:17 - Anthony's interest in history
12:14 - Background on A New Birth of Freedom
22:17 - Recording: A New Birth of Freedom
26:44 - Background on Anthony's setting of The Battle Cry of Freedom
42:58 - Recording: Battle Cry of Freedom, performed by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band
47:21 - Experience composing that piece as part of an audition for the Marine Band
49:43 - Background on Butler's Blunders
55:01 - Month of Miniatures
1:01:45 - Recording: Butler's Blunders
1:03:28 - Composing in the style of the 19th century, studying other composers
1:10:56 - Being adaptable as a composer
1:24:02 - How you can get in touch with Anthony
1:26:47 - Show wrap-up, Featured Album: Anthony's SoundCloud page

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Episode 25 is our introduction to the life and career of Patrick Gilmore with historian Jarlath MacNamara. Jarlath has been researching Patrick Gilmore for years, and we were so thankful that he took the time to share what he’s learned with us, and now you.

You can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring! For more details, visit www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast orhttps://teespring.com/stores/eabbpodcast. No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, and The 8th GM Regiment Band.

Episode Structure:

3:33 - Interview Start, Jarlath's background and how he got interested in researching Patrick Gilmore
11:56 - Patrick Gilmore's early life, how the Irish were treated in the 1820's
15:42 - Patrick Keating's influence on Gilmore
19:26 - Gilmore's travel to America in 1849
24:49 - Gilmore's time in Boston
27:13 - Prevalence and importance of militias in this time, the bands Gilmore was leading before the American Civil War
33:55 - How Gilmore became involved in political movements of the time
36:45 - How Gilmore came to be in the Union Army
39:03 - "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" - The West Point Band
41:11 - Gilmore's band's activities during the war
44:50 - Gilmore's band organizing activities in MA and LA after his service in the Army
57:20 - Gilmore at the Grand Review and the National Peace Jubilee
1:09:33 - 2nd National Peace Jubilee
1:13:30 - Gilmore's tours to Europe and throughout the United States
1:17:53 - Gilmore Memorial Concert after his death
1:23:46 - Some concluding thoughts
1:28:07 - Where you can find more about Jarlath and his research
1:32:32 - Conclusion, Featured Album: “A Tribute to Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore” The Allentown Band

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Episode 24 features our conversation with brass instrument repairman, restorer, and reproducer Robb Stewart. Robb is widely regarded as one of the best brass instrument repairmen and specializes in repairing and reproducing vintage instruments. In our interview, we talk about how Robb got started, what some of the biggest challenges are in this line of work, and reflect on his career thus far.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, and The 8th GM Regiment Band.

Episode Structure:

2:19 - Robb's musical background
4:44 - How Robb got into musical instrument repair
6:22 - Where Robb's interest in historical instruments began
7:12 - How Robb's career as an instrument repairman unfolded
10:09 - Early days of collecting and repairing historical instruments
17:23 - Philosophy on restoring historically important instruments
22:00 - Fabricating parts with modern materials
27:54 - Robb's personal collection of instruments
30:31 - Instrument makers Richardson and Sibley
33:58 - Thoughts on reasons for the scarcity of b flat 19th century instruments today
38:10 - Robb's instrument reproductions
49:22 - Playing with the California Gold Rush Band
51:21 - Robb's favorite instrument makers
58:47 - More notable instruments from Robb's collection
1:01:56 - Graves reproduction mouthpiece (referencing the mouthpiece mentioned in Jeff Stockham's episode)
1:03:47 - The instrument maker Thomas Payne
1:05:11 - General thoughts on instrument reproduction
1:10:18 - Where you can find more on Robb and his work
1:12:21 - Show wrap-up
1:13:38 - Featured Album: The California Gold Rush Band: Brass Mounted Army: Music of the Old Horse Cavalry

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Episode 23 features leader of the Excelsior Cornet Band, freelance musician, and instrument collector Jeff Stockham. It was great to get a legend in the field on the show, and we hope you enjoy the conversation!

You can now support the show on Patreon! For more details and to sign up, please visit www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, and The 8th GM Regiment Band.

Episode Structure:

1:54 - Jeff's musical background
9:05 - How Jeff got into 19th century brass performance
17:10 - Frederick Fennell's influence on the field of 19th century brass bands
20:59 - How Jeff got into collecting instruments, the "Cornet Conspiracy" group of collectors
27:31 - Jeff's collection, philosophy on using antique horns
36:54 - Thoughts on reproduction instruments
38:48 - Reenacting with the Federal City Brass Band and the Coates Brass Band
40:40 - The Excelsior Cornet Band
46:07 - Memorable gigs the Excelsior Band has played
52:22 - Recording with the Excelsior Cornet Band
59:01 - Jeff's "Music and Musket" presentations
1:12:09 - Where you can find more about Jeff and the Excelsior Cornet Band
1:14:59 - Featured Album: Cheer, Boys, Cheer!, the Excelsior Cornet Band

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We're jumping into your feed a day early to let you know you can now support the show on Patreon and Teespring!

Patreon is essentially a membership service, where you join at one of our 4 monthly tiers, and each tier has a few different benefits.
Teespring is our online merchandise store, where you can buy apparel and accessories that are branded with our logo to show your support in a public way.

You can visit these stores at:

https://teespring.com/stores/eabbpodcast

https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast

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Episode 22 features Jari Villanueva, back for round 2! In the episode, we talk all about the history of the 26th North Carolina Regiment Band. The Federal City Brass Band, which Jari founded and directs, re-creates the 26th NC Regiment Band in performance and they have done extensive research into the music, uniforms, and history of the men who were in the 26th NC Band during the American Civil War. In this episode, we discuss the band's history, their service during the war, activities after the war, and the Federal City Brass Bands's reenactment activities.

You can now support the show on Patreon! For more details and to sign up, please visit www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, and The Federal City Brass Band Better than Rations or Medicine.

Episode Structure:

3:16 - How Jari found out about the 26th NC Regimental Band and decided to incorporate them into the Federal City Brass Band organization.
11:21 - History of 26th NC Regimental Band Reenactments
13:38 - The history of the 26th NC Regimental Band, and the Moravian music traditions
17:59 - How the Salem Band turned into the the 26th NC Regimental Band
22:34 - How the band grew and changed once enlisted
25:23 - The band's activities throughout 1862
27:55 - Other duties of the band during their service
31:33 - Moving north in the Spring of 1863
36:42 - 26th NC Regiment at Gettysburg
40:07 - The 26th NC Regimental Band after Gettysburg
43:50 - Story about a 26th NC Regimental Band member who got called to bugle
48:22 - Moravian musical traditions
49:51 - The Band near the end of the war
51:55 - Capture of the 26th NC Regimental Band
54:32 - The band after the war
57:45 - North Carolina's as a part of the Confederacy
59:53 - Concluding thoughts on the men of the 26th NC Band
1:07:31 - How the Federal City Brass Band structures their performances as the 26th NC Regimental Band
1:09:03 - The Uniforms of the 26th NC Regimental Band
1:14:29 - Music the Federal City Brass Band plays when performing as the 26th NC Regimental Band
1:15:58 - Notable performances as the 26th NC Regimental Band
1:22:35 - Using drums and cymbal when performing 26th NC Regimental Band music
1:25:07 - Where people can find more about the 26th NC Regimental Band, and Jari

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Welcome back for Season 2 of the Early American Brass Band Podcast! Episode 21 is our conversation with Rodney Marsalis - trumpet soloist and leader of the Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass. We talk about his musical background, how he got interested in researching Francis Johnson, Johnson's life and musical career, and the RMPBB's "Francis Johnson Project" concerts.

More on Rodney here: https://www.rmpbb.com/artist.php?view=prog&rid=3365

You can now support the show on Patreon! For more details and to sign up, please visit www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. No obligation, but we greatly appreciate any support you're willing to give.

For show notes and resources, visit our website at www.eabbpodcast.com. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing eabb.podcast@gmail.com

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress.

Episode Structure:

2:34 - Patreon announcement!
3:45 - Interview with Rodney Marsalis - musical background
7:44 - How Rodney learned of Francis Johnson
11:04 - Francis Johnson's life and musical career
13:23 - The music scene in Philadelphia during Francis Johnson's time
16:35 - Francis Johnson's travels and musical ensembles
22:12 - Francis Johnson's contributions to the development of American music
26:23 - Publication of Francis Johnson's music
29:15 - Other tours within the United States, audience reception
35:18 - Sidebar about teaching early American music in schools
40:28 - The Francis Johnson Project
51:06 - Thoughts on performing on period instruments
55:03 - Where you can find out more about Francis Johnson and Rodney Marsalis
1:01:41 - Wrap-up, Feature Album: Chestnut Brass, The Music of Francis Johnson

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We have an announcement! New episodes will now be releasing every other week instead of every week. A new episode will be out a week from today!

In the meantime, please visit our website, www.eabbpodcast.com, to catch up on all our previously released episodes, show notes, and resources.

Music was performed by The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" and The 8th Green Machine Regiment Band from Fairfax, VA

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Episode 20 is our conversation with Sue Kinne, historian of the Manchester Cornet Band. Sue has been researching the band for years, and we were thrilled to have her on to dive into the history of this extremely important brass band. We discuss their formation in the 1830’s, service during the American Civil War, their organizations after the war, and much more.

Show notes for this episode are available at https://eabbpodcast.com/show-notes-2/. Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress and the 8th GM Regiment Band. You can get in touch with us on all social media platforms, and by emailing us at eabb.podcast@gmail.com.

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

2:15 - Sue's musical background
13:25 - How Sue got involved with early American brass bands
16:05 - Meeting Mark Elrod through her research
18:27 - Meeting Jari Villanueva through her research
19:24 - How Sue first learned about the Manchester Cornet Band
22:13 - Beginnings of the Manchester Cornet Band
23:51 - Walter Dignam, and how he factors into the Manchester Cornet Band
27:01 - George Goodwin's role in the band
29:25 - Dignam's collection of music in the Manchester Historical society
34:22 - The band leading up to the Civil War
43:30 - Enlisting in the 4th NH Regiment, the band's service during the war
49:23 - The band's official muster out, and Walter Dignam forming a band that officers paid for
52:00 - The band after the war
1:09:41 - The importance of town bands in the 19th century
1:18:25 - Wrap up, Featured Album: Homespun America, The Eastman Wind Ensemble

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Episode 19 is our wide-ranging interview with Mr. Ed Pierce, member and historian of the 1st Brigade Band out of Wisconsin. We talk about long history of the 1st Brigade Band before, during, and after the American Civil War, as well as the band’s repertoire, instruments, and members.

Show notes for this episode are available at https://eabbpodcast.com/show-notes-2/. Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress and The 1st Brigade Band. You can get in touch with us on all social media platforms, and by emailing us at eabb.podcast@gmail.com.

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

2:47 - Ed's various roles with the 1st Brigade Band
4:37 - How Ed got interested in Civil War history
8:58 - Ed's role in the band as historian
14:07 - Ed's involvement producing/mixing some of the 1st Brigade Band albums
16:45 - The 1st Brigade Band in the 19th century
22:05 - Story about the 1st Brigade Band during the Civil war
25:48 - The 1st Brigade Band after the Civil war
29:56 - Instrumentation of the band then and now
31:36 - How the band functions today
35:22 - The band's instrument collection
37:34 - Story about smuggling a cornet so it wouldn't fall into the hands of a Confederate band
41:27 - 1st Brigade Band's history of being one of, if not the first reenactment bands in the United States, contributing to that movement, and notable gigs
48:39 - Makeup of the band now
50:32 - Repertoire, building community
56:11 - Touring battlefields on the East coast in 1983
1:02:41 - Reception of the band today
1:06:24 - Upcoming 1st Brigade Band project
1:10:31 - Thoughts on teaching and learning American band history
1:19:32 - Where you can find more about the 1st Brigade Band, Featured Album: 1st Brigade Band, Volume 12: Concert Favorites

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Description: Episode 18 is a great interview with Garman L. Bowers Jr., percussionist, wood worker, and 19th century rope tension drum restorer and reproducer. We talk about the anatomy of these drums, Garman’s process for restoring a drum, and things to keep in mind when making a reproduction of a drum from this era.

Show notes for this episode are available at https://eabbpodcast.com/show-notes-2/. Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress and The 8th GM Regiment Band. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing us at eabb.podcast@gmail.com.

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

1:49 - Garman's musical background
4:58 - How Garman got into early American brass bands and Civil War reenacting
9:48 - Meeting Jari Villanueva, and how Garman got started playing with 19th century brass bands
11:27 - Garman's woodworking background
16:41 - Making period accurate chairs and stands for the Federal City Brass Band
20:29 - How Garman began to restore and reproduce 19th century rope tension drums
25:43 - Some of the drums that Garman has restored
28:35 - Things to consider when restoring drums, and how Garman determines the extent to which he restores drums
33:15 - Reproducing drums, and talking about sourcing materials
39:19- Process for reproducing a drum, referencing existing drums
42:04 - Rope tension drum designs
43:32 - Drum reproduction timeline
46:51 - Importance of preserving the labels that are on drums, other elements of drums that are tricky to restore/source
59:39 - Drum stick reproduction
1:08:20 - Where you can find Garman's work, and how you can get in touch with him if you're interested in any of his products
1:11:36 - Featured Album: Pride of the Regiment, Federal City Brass Band

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Episode 17 is our conversation with Randy Cabell. We talk about Randy’s extensive arranging projects under the umbrella of the Digital Heritage of Virginia, his efforts to make music from the 19th century accessible to players today, and the history of the 19th Virginia Heavy Artillery Band. Their band books are the only band books from a Virginia regiment to survive.

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

2:27 - Announcement about obtaining Randy's arrangements
3:29 - Randy's musical background
9:07 - How Randy got interested in Civil War brass band music
11:16 - Helping bands acquire reproduction instruments, ways to keep interest in 19th century brass band music alive
17:40 - Robb Stewart's reproduction instruments
18:26 - Randy's personal instruments and bands he's played with
19:47 - Randy's arranging projects
21:41 - 19th VA Heavy Artillery Band, “The Brass Band Journal For the Rest Of Us”, “Patriotic Songs and Airs of The CSA”
23:43 - 19th VA Band books
25:05 - Music from Jamestown project
26:19 - 19th VA band history
30:29 - How Randy decided what music from the 19th VA band books to arrange
34:36 - Some members of the 19th VA Band
36:31 - Challenges Randy came across when re-creating the 19th VA Band books
39:21 - Recording the band books
44:15 - Efforts to make arrangements accessible by including substitute parts, "The Brass Band Journal for the Rest of Us"
55:30 - How the American brass band tradition differs from the British brass band tradition
57:25 - Wrap-up
58:22 - Featured Album: “Dear Mother I've Come Home to Die Quickstep”, Crestmark Military Band

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Episode 16 is our discussion with Jonathan Hodgetts, founder and owner of Wessex Tubas. This was our first international interview, and we can’t thank him enough for taking the time to speak with us. We cover how and why he started Wessex, what their instrument designing process is like, and how they got into reproducing historical instruments such as the ophicleide and their brand new Over-the-Shoulder Eb Bass.

Show notes for this episode are available at https://eabbpodcast.com/show-notes-2/. Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress and The 8th GM Regiment Band. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing us at eabb.podcast@gmail.com.

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

3:15 - Jonathan's musical background
6:00 - British style brass bands
8:39 - Orchestral and wind band playing
12:42 - Founding of Wessex Tubas and initial instrument production
18:09 - Expanding production, distribution, tweaking instrument designs
20:35 - How Wessex got into producing historical instruments
23:34 - Why Jonathan thinks historical instruments should be accessible to players
25:06 - Timeline from design to product
29:12 - Considerations before Wessex decides to design and produce an instrument
33:46 - Wessex's OTS Eb Bass, how they decided to make it, the horn it was modeled after, and "quality of life" design improvements
40:31 - Playing the new Wessex OTS Eb Bass
41:53 - More on the OTS Eb Bass
45:30 - Thoughts on reproducing historical instruments
54:15 - Where you can find more information about Wessex, their OTS Eb Bass, and their other instruments
56:19 - Show notes, social media, and our featured album for this episode: The Origin of the Species, The Wallace Collection

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Episode 15 is our conversation with Dr. William Hall, Leader of The 1st Nebraska Volunteers Brass Band. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, talking about Bill's PhD research, how the band formed, Nebraska's role in the Civil War, and how the band operates today. You can find more information about Bill and the band at https://1stnebraskaband.wordpress.com/.

Show notes for this episode are available at https://eabbpodcast.com/show-notes-2/. Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, The 8th GM Regiment Band, and The 1st Nebraska Volunteers Brass Band. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing us at eabb.podcast@gmail.com.

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

3:30 - Bill's musical and educational background
9:10 - Dr. Hall's PhD research
16:15 - How Bill got involved with 19th century American brass bands
19:12 - History of the first Bill played with in Fremont Nebraska
20:52 - Instrumentation challenges the Freemont band faced
21:37 - What led to Bill forming the 1st Nebraska Volunteers Band
24:28 - Where the 1st Nebraska Volunteers Brass Band got their instruments and uniforms
25:21 - Nebraska's role during the Civil War
27:46 - The 1st Nebraska Band's life during the Civil War
31:03 - What The 1st Nebraska Volunteer Brass Band looked like during the Civil War
33:36 - Uniforms and instruments of today's 1st Nebraska Volunteer Brass Band
40:36 - Music on the 1st Nebraska Volunteers Brass Band recording project
45:04 - The obligatory period vs. modern mouthpiece question
48:41 - Relationship with the Liberty Band of Iowa
50:33 - Moravian Music Foundation resources
52:17 - Upright bell vs. OTS instrument practicality
54:29 - Notable performances of the 1st Nebraska Volunteer Brass Band
1:01:01 - Audience reaction to Civil War music and portrayal
1:05:30 - Where you can find more information on Bill and the 1st Nebraska Volunteer Brass Band
1:07:45 - Wrap up - come hang out with us on social media! Especially Twitter!
1:09:05 - Featured Album: 1st Nebraska Volunteers Brass Band Soundcloud page

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Episode 14 is our discussion with David Goins of Saxton’s Cornet Band from Lexington, KY. We talk about how David got involved with Saxton’s, the history of the band, and the recent changes they made within their organization to be inclusive and represent the early part of the larger history of band music in the United States. This is an important conversation that is long overdue in the music field, and we appreciate David taking the time to have it with us. We plan on discussing this topic further with future guests.

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

0:00 - 2:42 - Introduction
2:42 - 6:58 - Interview with David Goins: musical and educational background
6:58 - 10:26 - How David got involved with Saxton's Cornet Band
10:26 - 15:23 - History of Saxton's Cornet Band
15:23 - 18:46 - Instruments used by Saxton's Cornet Band
18:46 - 21:01 - Musicians and configurations of Saxton's Cornet Band
21:01 - 22:52 - Saxton's Cornet Band recordings
22:52 - 28:25 - Henry Saxton Jr. and the historical connection to the recording venue for some Saxton's Cornet Band albums
28:25 - 33:11 - Different types of concerts given by Saxton's Cornet Band
33:11 - 38:27 - How the mission of Saxton's Cornet Band has changed over the years, and what the most recent change means for the future of the band
38:27 - 45:44 - New changes to Saxton's Cornet Band
45:44 - 47:46 - Thoughts on reenacting as a general hobby, and living history
47:46 - 52:46 - Thoughts on playing Dixie in historical performance presentation settings
52:46 - 53:47 - Thoughts on the future of 19th century period brass band organizations moving forward
53:47 - 57:50 - 19th century brass bands at the college level
57:50 - 1:02:39 - Resurrecting music that hasn't been played in a long time, playing music arranged from piano scores
1:02:39 - 1:05:17 - David's involvement with the Lexington Brass Band
1:05:17 - 1:06:11 - Where you can find more about David, Saxton's Cornet Band, and the Lexington Brass Band
1:06:11 - 1:07:48 - Featured Album: High Bridge Brass

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Episode 13 is our conversion with Bob Baccus, founder of the Olde Towne Brass based in Huntsville, Alabama. Bob is very active in the early American brass band community and has undertaken a massive project making modern engraved copies of period brass band music, helping countless bands expand their repertoire. We talk with him about this project as well as the history and goals of the Olde Towne Brass.

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, The 8th GM Regiment Band, and the Olde Towne Brass.

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

0:00 - 3:03 - Introduction
3:03 - 6:02 - Interview with Bob Baccus, musical background and how he got involved with early American brass bands
6:02 - 7:50 - Information about the Olde Towne Brass
7:50 - 11:10 - Notable performances, reenacting experiences
11:10 - 17:13 - Instruments the Olde Towne Brass uses
17:17 - 19:45 - Research that goes into each Olde Towne Brass performance
19:45 - 22:15 - Reenacting logistics, gigs at national parks
22:15 - 26:07 - Modern vs. period mouthpieces
26:07 - 33:26 - National Civil War Band Festival, Frederick Fennell conducting the Olde Towne Brass
33:26 - 37:35 - How Bob and Terry Cornett engrave and arrange period brass music
37:35 - 40:33 - How Bob got started on his digitizing project
40:33 - 43:42 - Early American brass bands at the college level
43:42 - 45:55 - Olde Towne Brass recordings
45:55 - 55:30 - Goals of Olde Towne Brass performances
55:30 - 57:23 - Where you can find more about the Olde Towne Band, their published music, and their recordings
57:23 - 59:28 - Website and social media announcements
59:28 - 1:01:34 - Featured Album: Yankee Bands in Dixie's Land

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Episode 12 is a great conversation with David Ohanian (French horn) and Norman Bolter (trombone), both former members of the Empire Brass Quintet. We talk about their two albums of 19th century brass band music - The American Brass Band Journal, and The American Brass Band Journal Revisited - the recording and origins of these albums. Both Norman and David offer their thoughts on a range of other topics, including brass playing today, and performing on period instruments vs. modern instruments.

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, and The 8th GM Regiment Band.

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

0:00 - 1:50 - Introduction
1:50 - 4:23 - Brass Band Journal and Stratton Military Band Journal information
4:23 - 11:03 - Interview with David Ohanian and Norman Bolter. How the Empire Brass Quintet got started, and how these projects developed
11:03 - 13:40 - Period instruments vs. modern instruments for these albums
13:40 - 15:37 - Brass music from before the 19th century
15:37 - 19:27 - Structure of the two albums
19:27 - 24:05 - How additional musicians were chosen for the recordings and how Frederick Fennell got involved with the Revisited album
24:05 -27:52 - Norman's experiences recording these albums, and Rolf Smedvig's influence on Empire projects. Story from Tanglewood
27:52 - 31:10 - Reception of the albums and playing the Brass Band Journal music live
31:10 - 37:15 - More stories from recording sessions from both Norman and David
37:15 - 45:42 - Working with Frederick Fennell on the Revisited album
45:42 - 49:48 - Clarifying the history of the Empire Brass Quintet
49:48 - 52:39 - CD re-release information
52:39 - 56:24 - Thoughts on the album today
56:24 - 1:04:07 - Thoughts on period instruments and performances of music from the 19th century.
1:04:07 - 1:10:35 - General thoughts on brass playing
1:10:35 - 1:13:06 - Wrap up, where you can find David and Norman.
1:13:06 - 1:14:41 - Featured Album: The American Brass Band Journal, The American Brass Band Journal Revisited, The Empire Brass Quintet

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*The thoughts expressed in this Podcast are the personal opinions of Dominic Giardino and do not necessarily reflect the views of Colonial Williamsburg.*

Episode 11 is a great conversation with Dominic Giardino. We talk about how Dominic got interested in historical performance, founding The Battery B 1st US Artillery Brass Band, working with friend of the show Michael O’Connor, and his research into early military music in America. Dominic is extremely well-researched and an active freelance historical musician and historical interpreter at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, The 8th GM Regiment Band, and an excerpt from Dominic’s solo performance of Fantasia "Somnambula" - E. Cavallini, arr. by G.F. Carney with Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band from their upcoming album.

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

0:00 - 3:54 - Introduction, excerpt of Dominic playing, social media and website announcements
3:54 - 5:10 - Interview with Dominic Giardino, musical background and education
5:10 - 8:42 - How Dominic's MM from Koninklijk Conservatorium Den Haag in the Netherlands was structured, types of clarinets studied
8:42 - 16:06 - Meeting Michael O'Connor, forming the Battery B 1st US Artillery Brass Band, equipment challenges
16:06 - 18:38 - Battery B 1st US Artillery Brass Band uniforms and performances
18:38 - 25:01 - What inspired Dominic to apply for a Fulbright grant and pursue a MM in the Netherlands
25:01 - 29:23 - Early music at the college level, early music scene in the United States
29:23 - 31:36 - Historical music programs of study in the United States
31:36 - 38:09 - Dominic's current job at Colonial Williamsburg
38:09 - 51:05 - Dominic's research into 18th century military bands in the United States
51:05 - 1:06:03 - Choosing repertoire, importance of contextualizing the music you perform and acknowledging the surrounding history
1:06:03 - 1:07:59 - Where you can hear Dominic play, Music Box Concerts podcast
1:07:59 - 1:09:28 - Wrap-up, social media and website announcements
1:09:28 - 1:10:58 - Featured Album: Cheer Boys Cheer!, The American Brass Quintet

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Episode 10 is a conversation with our good friend and colleague Barry Bocaner. We talk about Barry’s introduction into historically informed performance, performing and soloing with Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band, as well as his adventures learning about early brass instruments while traveling to instrument museums across the world.

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, The 8th GM Regiment Band, and Thomas Coates: The Father of Band Music in America, by Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band.

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

0:00 - 4:03 - Introduction, website announcements
4:03 - 11:47 - Interview with Barry Bocaner, musical upbringing and education
11:47 - 21:18 - How Barry got into historically informed performance, early early music gigs
21:18 - 32:33 - How Barry got involved with Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band, soloing with the band, discussion of “early music performance” culture in the United States, historically informed performance challenges
32:33 - 40:54 - The instruments Barry uses when performing with Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band and The Coates Brass Band: The 47th PA Vol. Infantry Regt. Band
40:54 - 47:36 - Trading instruments with Michael O’Connor, how Barry began acquiring period musical instruments
47:36 - 52:04 - philosophy on purchasing these instruments, purchasing to restore and play
52:04 - 54:34 - Thoughts on early 19th century brass players
54:34 - 1:04:03 - Barry’s travels to instrument museums across the world
1:04:03 - 1:12:48 - Brief history of the Boston Musical Instrument Company
1:12:48 - 1:14:42 - Where you can hear Barry playing, projects Barry is involved in
1:14:42 - 1:15:30 - Wrap-up, social media announcements
1:15:30 - 1:16:51 - Featured Album: Thomas Coates: The Father of Band Music in America, Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band.

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Episode 9 is our interview with Raymond Mase, professor of trumpet at the Juilliard School and former trumpet with The American Brass Quintet. In the episode we discuss how The American Brass Quintet came to record The Yankee Brass Band: Music from Mid-Nineteenth Century America (1981), A Storm in The Land: Music of the 26th N.C. Regimental Band, CSA (2002), and Cheer, Boys, Cheer!: Music of the 26th N.C. Regimental Band, CSA Volume 2 (2006). Raymond also tells us some stories about recording these albums, and offers his opinion on a variety of topics related to brass performance and professional chamber music.

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, and The 8th GM Regiment Band.

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

0:00 - 3:30 - Introduction, YouTube exclusive content, Addressing Gettysburg, The Digital Digest - History Tunes
3:30 - 7:57 - Interview with Raymond Mase, musical background and early musical experiences
7:57 - 10:40 - Time and experiences at The New England Conservatory, interest in a wide variety of music
10:40 - 17:39 - Auditioning for The American Brass Quintet, playing in a professional chamber music ensemble, culture within The American Brass Quintet
17:39 - 23:55 - The Yankee Brass Band album origins, where the music came from, and instruments used
23:55 - 26:10 - Other thoughts about the Civil War Music albums, historical authenticity considerations
26:10 - 31:46 - Other players on the albums, considerations for the Moravian albums, recording process
31:46 - 37:17 - Stories about Bob Sheldon
37:17 - 40:57 - Raymond's Boston Eb cornet, other instruments on the albums
40:57 - 46:10 - Origins of the Moravian albums, recording, and instruments
46:10 - 51:44 - Concluding thoughts on the albums, American Brass Quintet, Ken Burns Civil War documentary soundtrack
51:44 - 1:07:14 - Thoughts on repertoire, difference between "performing to get gigs" and performing music that aligns with your mission, and general musical culture
1:07:14 - 1:08:58 - Where you can find Raymond, his music, and his arrangements
1:08:58 - 1:10:20 - YouTube and social media announcements, show notes, and how you can get in touch with us
1:10:20 - 1:11:30 - Featured Album: A Storm in The Land, The American Brass Quintet

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Episode 8 is our interview with Dr. Dennis Edelbrock, former trumpet with The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” and current professor of trumpet at George Mason University. This great conversation covers the Classical Brass album Honor to Our Soldiers, filming the movie Lincoln and so much more. We also discuss Dr. Edelbrock’s time with The Pershing’s Own Brass Quintet and Herald Trumpets, with a lot of history you won’t want to miss!

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from The Library of Congress, The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” Herald Trumpets, and Honor to Our Soldiers by Classical Brass.

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

0:00 - 3:21 - Introduction, Addressing Gettysburg Podcast, History Tunes
3:21 - 6:46 - Early musical life, college education, audition for The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own"
6:46 - 9:39 - Ceremonial duties and formation of The United States Army Band Herald Trumpets
9:30 - 10:19 - Musical example: Hail Columbia, performed by The United States Army Band Herald Trumpets
10:19 - 14:38 - Salute to A New Beginning, by Dennis Edelbrock composition origins, Herald Trumpet with President Reagan
14:38 - 15:15 - Musical example: Salute to A New Beginning, by Dennis Edelbrock
15:15 - 16:44 - More Herald Trumpet stories
16:44 - 19:52 - Classical Brass Honor to Our Soldiers album project origins
19:52 - 29:00 - The music on the album
29:00 - 37:10 - The instruments used on the album, other performances that came after the album's release
37:10 - 41:48 - How Dr. Edelbrock got involved with the movie Lincoln
41:48 - 51:07 - Filming the movie, attention to detail in set, instruments, and costumes
51:07 - 54:37- Other qualifications to get on the band for Lincoln, and other elements of filming
54:37 - 56:40 - Importance of professionalism
56:40 - 57:43 - The most important aspect of filming: the food
57:43 - 1:02:28 - Meeting Steven Spielberg at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier after Saving Private Ryan and at Gettysburg, other 19th century brass band performances
1:02:28 - 1:06:00 - Information about George Mason's trumpet studio and the National Trumpet Competition
1:06:00 - 1:07:50 - Featured Album: Honor to Our Soldiers, Classical Brass

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Episode 7 is our conversation with Eric Totman, aka “The Horn Collector.” Eric has amassed a large collection of primarily brass instruments from the 19th century, and has many unique and rare items. We talk about these, other odd instruments he has such as Besson Cornophones and Antoniophones, and how he acquired them. Eric also talks about his experiences playing with the Fort Point Garrison Brass Band in California.

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from The Library of Congress, and California Grand March from the Fort Point Garrison Brass Band’s album of the same name.

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

0:00 - 2:26 - Introduction
2:26 - 8:10 - Interview with Eric Totman, his musical beginnings and education experiences
8:10 - 11:49 - How Eric got started collecting instruments
11:49 - 15:06 - Eric’s current collection and the Horn Collector “nickname”
15:06 - 20:52 - Eric’s Schriber collection
20:52 - 38:38 - Other over the shoulder horns and oddities: Besson Cornophones, one of the first double bell euphoniums, double bell alto horns, over the shoulder slide trombone, ophicleide, keyed bugles, Antoniophones
38:38 - 42:17 - Civil War reenacting, and other 19th century Brass Band reenacting experiences
42:17 - 47:28 - American Historical Brass Band Society, early brass band community building
47:28 - 59:27 - Fort Point Garrison Brass Band, importance of historical accuracy
59:27 - 1:02:06 - Eric’s Great-Great Grandfather’s involvement in Civil War music
1:02:06 - 1:07:40 - Reasons for reenacting, current state of the Early Brass Band community
1:07:40 - 1:08:59 - Where you can find Eric Totman and his collection
1:08:59 - 1:11:13 - YouTube and website updates
1:11:13 - 1:12:40 - Featured Album: The California Grand March - The Fort Point Garrison Brass Band

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Episode 6 is a fantastic interview with Jari Villanueva, former trumpeter with the United States Air Force Band. Jari is heavily involved in all things related to 19th century American Brass Band, most notably with researching the history of Taps, and performing and arranging for the Federal City Brass Band. We talk at length about both of those things in this episode, with many interesting and funny stories from Jari’s career. You can find Jari at www.jvmusic.net and https://tapsbugler.com, among other places. For in-depth notes on this episode, be sure to visit www.eabbpodcast.com and click on “Show Notes.”

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

0:00 - 2:44 - Introduction
2:44 - 9:30 - Jari’s background, musical career before and during his time in the United States Air Force Band
9:30 - 11:47 - Bugling with the USAFB
11:47 - 15:20 - The beginning of Jari’s interest in Civil War history, Civil War music
15:20 - 19:06 - Jari’s bugle from the History Channel segment on Taps, clarion vs. bugles vs. trumpets during the Civil War, the French influence on the Civil War
19:06 - 22:15 - Early military musicians
22:15 - 37:21 - History of Taps and other bugle calls
37:21 - 44:10 - How Taps began to be used in military funerals and other civil functions
44:10 - 50:30 - Jari’s interest and involvement with reenacting, formation and goals of the Federal City Brass Band
50:30 - 53:30 - The Federal City Brass Band’s uniforms and how they differ from other reenactment band’s uniforms
53:30 - 1:01:53 - The instruments and mouthpieces the Federal City Brass Band uses, some stories about the band and reenacting
1:01:53 - 1:06:27 - Federal City Brass Band’s impression of the 26th North Carolina Band
1:06:27 - 1:10:30 - Importance of brass bands during the Civil War and the 19th century
1:10:30 - 1:17:50 - Federal City Brass Band repertoire and Jari’s arranging practices
1:17:50 - 1:26:07 - Audience reaction to 19th century brass band repertoire and uniforms, and the importance of historical context
1:26:07 - 1:34:38 - Where you can find Jari, his music, and more about his research
1:34:38 - 1:37:06 - Featured Album: Hurrah for the Union - Federal City Brass Band

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Episode 5 is a wide ranging conversation with Dr. Michael O’Connor, Associate Professor of Music at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Dr. O’Connor is the director of The Coates Brass Band, and a founding member of Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band and the Washington Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble. We discuss his musical background, research of Civil War-era music, the performing groups he helped found, and the life and music of Thomas Coates.

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

0:00 - 1:38 - Introduction
1:38 - 9:12 - Interview with Dr. O’Connor - Biographical and career information
9:12 - 14:10 - Washington Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble, Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band
14:10 - 21:15 - College teaching career, Palm Beach Atlantic University
21:15 - 28:50 - Detail on Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band: formation, the music they play, instruments used
28:50 - 35:41 - Thomas Coates, The Coates Brass Band, recording projects with The Coates Brass Band and Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band
35:41 - 37:58 - How written music was obtained and distributed during the 19th century
37:58 - 40:50 - Use of woodwinds in 19th century brass bands
40:50 - 43:52 - The music of Thomas Coates
43:52 - 45:26 - Musical Excerpt: Cottage By The Sea Quickstep, Thomas Coates, performed by The Coates Brass Band
45:26 - 51:00 - The music of Thomas Coates and his musical legacy
51:00 - 1:01:20 - The Coates Brass Band and Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band instruments and uniforms, reenacting
1:01:20 - 1:12:51 - Playing on period mouthpieces, and Dr. O’Connor’s instrument collection
1:12:51 - 1:15:21 - Conclusion, where you can find Dr. O’Connor online
1:15:21 - 1:17:39 - Featured Album: The Coates Brass Band - Quickstep: Brass Band Music of the American Civil War

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In Episode 4, we talk with Dr. Kirby Jolly about his time with the Old Bethpage Village Brass Band, how it has evolved over the years, and his view of the mission of the band. Dr. Jolly tells us some stories about his time performing with the Goldman Band. His wealth of experience with 19th century brass band music is vast, and we enjoyed the opportunity to pick his brain!

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

0:00 -Introduction
1:30 - Corrections
2:50 - Interview with Dr. Kirby Jolly; Musical background and his time in Syracuse, NY
6:55 - Dr. Jolly’s Experience with the Goldman Band
11:17 - Dr. Jolly’s association with the Old Bethpage Village Brass Band, history and operation of the Old Bethpage Village
21:50 - About the OBVBB instruments
25:50 - About the OBVBB repertoire
28:10 - About the OBVBB uniforms
31:10 - About OBVBB performances
33:00 - The OBVBB’s mission
37:15 - The OBVBB performance frequency and variety
38:35 - About the Ken Burn’s documentary soundtrack
40:10 - Other OBVBB recordings and notable performances
45:08 - Civil War music reenacting environment
50:10 - Final remark from Dr. Kirby Jolly
53:25 - Closing
55:05 - Featured Album

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Episode 3 is our social distancing mega-episode! Join us for a wide ranging, insightful interview with Dr. Mark Jenkins of The President’s Own United States Marine Band. We discuss Dr. Jenkins’ research, the history of the Marine Band, their relationship to the Lincoln administration, and a healthy dose of low brass instrument history. This episode's featured album is The American Brass Band Journal - Empire Brass Quintet & Friends (2005).

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

0:00 - 1:34 - Introduction
1:34 - 5:15 - Corrections/Listener emails
5:15 - 10:17 - Interview with Dr. Mark Jenkins. Brief Biography, topics of Dr. Jenkins’ research
10:17 - 12:40 - Research resources for projects focusing on the 19th century
12:40 - 14:45 - Early euphonium and euphonium related instrumentalists in the Marine Band
14:15 - 16:53 - Dissertations on Francis Scala, and the collection of his works donated to the Library of Congress
16:53 - 27:15 - Early history of the Marine Band, and how it relates to all brass bands in America. Influence of immigration on the band scene in the United States
27:15 - 35:44 - Early predecessors to the euphonium in the Marine Band, and the people who played them. Marine Band apprenticeship program that lasted until the very early 1900’s
35:44 - 46:24 - Evolution of the euphonium. The Distin family legacy, and their relationship with Adolph Sax.
46:24 - 1:01:45 - Rise and fall of the double bell euphonium, and it’s legacy in the United States. Modern compensating euphonium, and why it replaced the double bell euphonium
1:01:45 - 1:06:20 - Italian euphonium players, and their influence on euphonium players in America
1:06:20 - 1:15:10 - Ole May’s performing and personal life
1:15:10 - 1:27:18 - Marine Band’s relationship with Abraham Lincoln
1:27:18 - 1:29:50 - Brief explanation of the Marine Band’s uniforms, and function of field musicians during the Civil War
1:29:50 - 1:33:35 - Marine Band after the Civil War during the time many military associated bands were being decommissioned
1:33:35 - 1:41:32 - Size and instrumentation of the Marine Band throughout the years
1:41:32 - 1:47:25 - Story about how William H. Santelmann made his way into the Marine Band
1:47:25 - 1:52:03 - Marine Band’s involvement in inauguration ceremonies, music composed by Scala
1:52:03 - 2:01:41 - History of Hail to the Chief, other military honors, Dr. Jenkins’ experiences with Presidential inauguration ceremonies
2:01:41 - 2:18:12 - Comments on band culture in the United States after Sousa’s death, development of military bands into how we see them today
2:18:12 - 2:19:13 - Conclusion
2:19:13 - 2:21:25 - Featured Album: The American Brass Band Journal - Empire Brass Quintet & Friends (2005)

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This episode focuses on Frederick Fennell and the Eastman Wind Ensemble's landmark 1960 recording The Civil War: Its Music and Its Sounds. We discuss Fennell's inspiration for the album, the musicians on the album, the instruments used for the recording, as well as the music on the album.

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

0:00 – 2:20 – Introduction
2:20 – 8:42 – Background on the Eastman School of Music and Frederick Fennell
8:42 – 11:43 – Origins and background of the Eastman Wind Ensemble
11:43 – 16:10 – Fennell’s inspiration for The Civil War: It’s Music and It’s Sounds
16:10 – 20:33 – Recording dates and recording process for the album
20:33 – 23:35 – Initial and subsequent releases
23:40 – 29:00 – Musicians on the album
- Stephen was incorrect about Roger Bobo playing on the Jaws soundtrack. Tommy Johnson played tuba for that movie. Roger Bobo played tuba on the soundtracks for: Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Meet the Applegates, Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend, The COlor Purple, and Robin Hood.
- 29:00 – 42:06 – Instruments used on the album
- 42:06 – 51: 46 – Music on the album
- 51:46 – 56:06 – Interesting facts and other Civil War music recordings with which Frederick Fennell was involved
- 56:06 – 58:14 – Featured album: The Civil War: It’s Music and It’s Sounds, Episode 3 teaser
- 58:14 – 58:34 – Outro music

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Our first episode is a broad overview of brass bands in America before, during, and immediately after the Civil War. We cover a general history of brass bands in America before, during, and after the Civil War, focusing on the instruments and music they played, duties during the Civil War, and their history after the war concluded.

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure

00:00-3:30 - Introduction
3:30-5:10 - About Chris Troiano
5:10-6:50 - About Stephen Cannistraci
6:50-11:55 - About the Perseverance Band and its Civil War Connection
11:55-15:20 - Military Music Prior to the Civil War
15:20-26:50 - The Development of Brass Instruments
26:50-48:45 - Brass Bands During the Civil War
48:45-59:22 - Brass Bands After the Civil War
59:22-1:01:06 - Final Thoughts on the Podcast
1:01:06-End - Featured Album: Ken Burns’ “The Civil War” Soundtrack

The Early American Brass Band Podcast: Recent Episodes

Chris Troiano, Stephen Cannistraci