The Golden Age of American Bands captured the imagination of the public in the latter part of the 1800s and through the first decades of the 20th century. Bands became a primary source of entertainment in cities and towns all across the nation and legendary band leaders like Patrick Gilmore and John Philip Sousa were celebrities in their day. Virtuoso soloists like Jules Levy, Arthur Pryor, and Herbert L. Clarke dazzled the thousands who flocked to the concerts by these famous bands.
As part of the formal launch of the Center for American Band History Research at the University of Michigan, the School of Music, Theatre & Dance along with the Clements Library are proud to present a concert of traditional music from this era, played with the authentic instrumentation of these early bands. From marches written for newspapers of the day, to novelties, brass solos, songs, and orchestral transcriptions, this concert is a tribute to the birth of the great American band tradition.
