Patrick Gilmore and the Civil War Band Tradition

During the Civil War conflicts would often include a battle of the bands, which often occured from one battle line front to the opposing corps battle line. Opposing regimental bands would take part in a competition of musical entertainment with a band, which played outside across to the enemy’s trenches. The southern confederacy bands might perform tunes such as Dixie, The Bonnie Blue Flag, My Maryland, and other airs of a patriotic nature to the confederacy. The northern union band might have then replies with patriotic northern union popular songs such as America, Star Spangled Banner, Old John Brown, Patrick Gilmore’s tune, The Spirit of the North or a parody such as J.L. Geddes’s tune, The Bonnie Flag with the Strips and Stars.

http://www.lib.umd.edu/PAL/SCPA/ABA/Gilmore/1.html Picture from University of Maryland website

 

 

 

http://www.lib.umd.edu/PAL/SCPA/ABA/Gilmore/1.html Picture from University of Maryland website

 

Buglers, Fifes, and Drums: Field Musicians of the Civil War

Brass Band Tradition

 

Band Music of the Civil War Period Link