During the late 1800's small community brass bands started to spring up all over the country as communities began to develop their own brand of entertainment.  Sometimes these small brass bands were comprised of employees of a company that would not only provide a means of entertainment, but a form of positive advertising for their company.  These musicians were not hired professionals, but through their practice and enjoyment of music became excellent musicians, with a few actually moving on to a professional music career.

The tradition of brass bands is also linked to our railroad heritage. Many of the brass bands were the first to greet the train as it arrived with visiting dignitaries. There were also many railway company bands. Antique brass instruments have been discovered with bell engravings that herald the ownership of a particular railway. One example of these is a cornet with the Erie Railroad name inscribed on the bell.

Railway Bands -  Historical Photos


ERIE Railroad Company - Jersey City Shop Band                                                                         circa 1917
 


South Pacific Band - Shasta                                                                        circa 1890


Southern Pacific Brass Band                                                     photo circa1930

Note: The electronic presentation of the preeceeding image is the property of the Museum of San Francisco. The research materials may be used freely by individuals for research and personal use as long as this statement of availability is included in the text.


Colorado Midland Band                                                                       circa 1883

Note: The electronic presentation of the preeceeding image is the property of the Old Colorado City Historical Society. The research materials may be used freely by individuals for research and personal use as long as this statement of availability is included in the text.

In the early 1900's the tradional brass bands slowly gave way to the change in music with dance bands as the swing era came alive.  The arrival of modern entertainment media accentuated the dance band era and the small brass band tradition began to fade away.  After WWII, symphonic community bands and orchestras began to grow playing a wide variety of music.

The small, traditional brass band is once again starting to regain popularity.  In Richmond, Virginia; the Boxcar Brass Band continues the railway music tradition with their blend of historical railway songs.   The North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) has regular festivals, all dedicated to the English and Early American Brass Bands.  One of the more famous tradional American brass bands is the Mr. Jack Daniels Original Silver Cornet Band.  While we don't expect to reach the caliber of this famous band, we still have a lot of fun!!

For a wonderful collection of Historical Brass Band Photos, visit the "Internet Bandsman Evereything Within" site. we'll still have a lot of fun!!  Who knows....this could be the beginning of a really great brass band!