Bully for the Band!
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From the commanding call of the bugle at reveille to the reassuring songs from around the campfire at night, music was an integral part of the Civil War soldier's experience. Civil War musicians, however, remain in the background of most military histories. This volume presents the Civil War writings of Charles, Jeremiah, Osman, and Herbert George, four brothers from the town of Newbury, Vermont, who played in the 10th Vermont Infantry regimental band. Their letters and a diary describe the life of an enlisted musician, including the duties of field musicians, the forming of a band, rehearsals and repertory, and performances for officers, troops, and civilians. Despite the hardships they suffered, including the loss of one brother, these writings reveal the George brothers' fraternal bond to be the anchor that sustained them emotionally and ensured that they could continue to supply their comrades with the irreplaceable gift of music.
James A. Davis is a professor of musicology and chair of the Music History Area at the State University of New York, Fredonia. His articles have appeared in American Music, The Journal of Military History, North & South, and the Journal of Band Research.