Marching Bands
History 1302
Essay
Marching bands have become a well-rounded prideful part of American culture. Every American has been exposed to this riveting sound of music at least once whether it may be during a culture rich fiesta parade or ceremonial graduation for a U.S marine. Many may like to believe the origin of marching bands began on a football field. However, marching bands of today have truly evolved from the military bands dating back to the end of the American Civil War. The first form of a structured band began in the military. This newly structured group of musicians created for numerous reasons at the time served to be a well-developed aspect to all military branches during the war era. The bands during war time proved to be a necessity on and off the battlefield since visual command at times became impossible. On the battlefield "field musicians, the drummers and fifers, would signal the soldiers to fire, to retreat, and off the field were providing daily signals like wake up and bed time."1 Aside from aiding in the battle the bands played an essential role during ceremonial functions and social activities. In the journal titled The Musical Times and Singing Class Circular there is an entry on one of the first grand festivals where "the idea of combining four military bands to take part in the accompaniment of divine service was defined as a bold move that in the end was musically successful." 2 The military also utilized the playing of instruments as a device to provide music for the troops to instill patriotism and offer an effective device where the troops could momentarily forget the hardships of military service.3 The uplifting march music maintained positive attitudes despite the conditions they were being faced with. These similar activities the bands took part in can easily be represented throughout the bands marching today. During parades bands of all kinds test new technique ideas just as the military band had done with the combination of
Essay
Marching bands have become a well-rounded prideful part of American culture. Every American has been exposed to this riveting sound of music at least once whether it may be during a culture rich fiesta parade or ceremonial graduation for a U.S marine. Many may like to believe the origin of marching bands began on a football field. However, marching bands of today have truly evolved from the military bands dating back to the end of the American Civil War. The first form of a structured band began in the military. This newly structured group of musicians created for numerous reasons at the time served to be a well-developed aspect to all military branches during the war era. The bands during war time proved to be a necessity on and off the battlefield since visual command at times became impossible. On the battlefield "field musicians, the drummers and fifers, would signal the soldiers to fire, to retreat, and off the field were providing daily signals like wake up and bed time."1 Aside from aiding in the battle the bands played an essential role during ceremonial functions and social activities. In the journal titled The Musical Times and Singing Class Circular there is an entry on one of the first grand festivals where "the idea of combining four military bands to take part in the accompaniment of divine service was defined as a bold move that in the end was musically successful." 2 The military also utilized the playing of instruments as a device to provide music for the troops to instill patriotism and offer an effective device where the troops could momentarily forget the hardships of military service.3 The uplifting march music maintained positive attitudes despite the conditions they were being faced with. These similar activities the bands took part in can easily be represented throughout the bands marching today. During parades bands of all kinds test new technique ideas just as the military band had done with the combination of