The Importance of Music During The American Civil War 8 th Grade General Music Mr. Bunnell

Civil War Music

Civil War Music The 1860’s was one of the most musical decades in American history. In no other war did music play such an important role among the soldiers. Robert E. Lee once said, "I don't believe we can have an army without music."

Civil War Music Military Bands –Responsibilities –How Many –How Big –What Instruments Songs of the War –Union Songs –Confederate Songs –Stories They Tell

Military Band Responsibilities Concerts, Parades, Ceremonies Marched troops into battle and played music in forward positions. Played music at Military Hospitals

Concerts, Parades, Ceremonies To reassure the country of the importance of the war. To encourage citizens to continue supporting the troops. To promote Patriotism.

Played In Forward Positions Rallied their troops to victory. Frightened the enemy troops. General Sheridan paid tribute to Army bands when he remarked, "Music has done its share, and more than its share, in winning this war." “Play the happiest tunes in your books.... Play them loud and keep on playing them, and never mind if a bullet goes through a trombone, or even a trombonist, now and then."

Played At Military Hospitals Bands were stationed at Military Hospitals to lift the morale of suffering soldiers. This is still seen today by Music Therapists who use music for many medical and therapeutic purposes.

Non-Musical Duties Primarily Medical –Gathered Wood For Splints –Helped Set Up Field Hospitals –Carried Wounded To Hospitals –Helped Surgeons Perform Amputations –Discarded Limbs

How Many? By the end of 1861, the Union Army had 618 bands and more than 28,000 musicians. In 1862 an Act was passed to reduce the number of bands to approximately 60 and only 2500 musicians. Other militia units had their own bands as well.

How Big? In 1861 each band had approximately 24 members. After the Act in 1862, that number was reduced to 16. Militia units had bands with 35 to 50 members.

What Instruments? The common brass instrument used by bands during the civil war were Saxhorns.

What Instruments? Snare Drums, Bass Drums, and Cymbals were also used in these ensembles.

Sources s/civwar/timeline.htmlhttp://americanrevwar.homestead.com/file s/civwar/timeline.html wmhome.htmlhttp://memory.loc.gov/ammem/cwmhtml/c wmhome.html Google Images