Just what is... the Clack Valves and Cornets Steam Band

Clack Valves and Cornets Steam Band in action at the 2000 International Small Scale Steamup!!

So just what is a Steam Band you ask??  The band is comprised of musicians who all share a common hobby -- small scale live steam locomotives. You can find more about our common interest by visiting Steam in the Garden Online or Small Scale Live Steam Resources and F.A.Q.

Brief History:  Every year since 1993,  in January, a moderate gathering of live steamers (we had over 250 this year), descend upon the small Mississippi hamlet of Diamondhead along the Gulf Coast. There we congregate to enjoy our hobby among the fellowship of others who share our interest in the hobby.  The attendees come from all over the world to run their model live steam trains, and share their hobby experiences.

At the 1999 venue, a few of us were discussing what we had accomplished in the previous year and discovered that several of us all played musical instruments in our hometown community band or church brass choir. So we thought we would try to organize a small 1800's style American Railway Brass Band. (See our History section for more information about American Railway Brass Bands).  The music we play is authentic 1800's arrangements that were played by small American Brass Bands around the country. The music mirrors the timeframe of our hobby.  This website was originally built to attract potential members and explain what we were going to try to accomplish.

The 2000 National Small Scale Steamup in Diamondhead Mississippi was our very first rehersal and small concert to see if the band could amount to anything. We played seven tunes, and were finished in less than 20 minutes!  The reception by our friends who witnessed the concert was very enthusiastic, and it was obvious that they wanted more.  We acutally measured our success in steps.  Step one was to survive at least  two measures of music and not walk away from the rehearsal.  Step 2 was to get through at least one song just so we could say we tried.  Step three was to put together and perform a short concert.  We did..so we graded the overall experiment a grand success. The organizer of the steamup, Jerry Reshew, provided the swell Dixieland style hats that we wear as a 'badge of honor' that heralds our success.

At the 2001 International Small Scale Steamup (note the name change) we grew a little and added a couple more excelllent musicians.  We should note at this time that a some of our players have only returned to playing their horns after, (in some cases) over 40 years of a musical hiatus!  This is truely an ambitious group.  Because of the enthusiastic reponse of our adoring fans, we played two concerts in 2001.  This was really an amazing feat.  Especially when you take into account that we are in town primarily for playing with trains, and the necessary rehearsals can cut into some serious train time.  But thankfully everyone is having a great time, and the music is sounding better each year.

As for the future of the band? Well..... we haven't obtained any recording contracts from big record companies, but it looks as though we may continue to grow a little and continue what we started. Which means that we're having fun!  For 2002, the the venue we all attend will be called the 2002 International Small Scale Steamup and Arts Festival!  We now have accordianists, shuttle pipe players (small bagpipes), jugglers, and Teddy Bear crafts....oh and yes....we still play with trains. As you can see it is very fun, something for everyone in the family event.  And you never know, we may show up at other model railway associated venues!!