Boston Brigade Band
Encyclopedia
The Boston Brigade Band was a brass and reed band that performed frequently in Boston
, Massachusetts
and elsewhere in New England. Numerous musical pieces played by the band were subsequently published as sheet music, including "The Mammoth Cod Quickstep" of 1839, and many others. The band received wide acclaim in its day, and was fondly recalled in the decades after its dissolution, particularly for its combination of both brass and wind instruments.
, Dan Simpson (proprietor of the Green Dragon
tavern) "organized the Boston brigade band. ... Maj. Simpson was just the man to carry out successfully Capt. Brimmer's desire, for besides being well acquainted with the few musicians in Boston, he was the popular host of the tavern ... at which many of the old members [of the Green Dragon band] often congregated.
The band often performed at appearances of the Boston Light Infantry. "The band was not simply a brigade band in name; the leader having a warrant conferred by the brigadier general and forming a component part of the brigade, was under the immediate and sole command and orders of the general [William Sullivan]."
Through the years, leaders of the band included: Asa Fillebrown (1821–1826, 1828–1835); James Kendall (1826–1827); Abel F. Knight (1836–1844); J.H. Seipp (1844–1848); Patrick S. Gilmore
(1852, ca.1859); and E.H. Weston (ca.1858).
Band members in 1824 included: John Bartlett (trumpet); James Clark (clarinet); Lemuel Clark (French horn); William Crombie (bassoon); Asa Fillebrown (clarinet); George W. Foster (octave flute); James K. Kendall (clarinet); Richard Madden (bugle); Joel R. Mann (clarinet); Moses Mann (serpent
); Willard W. Mann (clarinet); J. Henry Niebuhr (trumpet); Calvin Simonds (clarinet); Jonathan Stanley (bass drum); Asa Warren (bass horn); John B. Warren; Samuel Wetherbee (French horn); Charles Wright (cymbals). "William Crombie, who beat the cymbols, kept a tavern on the corner of Cambridge and Garden" streets. "Lemuel Clark was a crusty man, but a good musician. He became drum major of the band in September, 1830(?), on Centennial day. ... He wore a scarlet coat, flat cocked hat and carried a red baton, which he never knew how to swing, saying: 'He wasn't going to play any of them monkey tricks.'"
"The band uniform ... was especially neat and attractive and bore a marked difference to any then worn by the militia. The coat was blue, of the same style and pattern as worn by the officers of the U.S. army, with three rows of bell buttons on the front, and was further set off by a gold-laced collar."
According to one account, "the band grew in proficiency, and became quite celebrated. It existed until 1861, when it was dissolved by Mr. Eben Flagg. After the band dissolved, some of the musicians joined the Edmands' Band and Orchestra, formed in 1863 by Thomas Ormsby Edmands.
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
and elsewhere in New England. Numerous musical pieces played by the band were subsequently published as sheet music, including "The Mammoth Cod Quickstep" of 1839, and many others. The band received wide acclaim in its day, and was fondly recalled in the decades after its dissolution, particularly for its combination of both brass and wind instruments.
History
In 1821, at the request of Captain Martin BrimmerMartin Brimmer
Martin Brimmer was an American businessman and politician, who served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, in the Boston Board of Alderman, and as the mayor of Boston, Massachusetts.-Early life:...
, Dan Simpson (proprietor of the Green Dragon
Green Dragon
Green Dragon is a tincture made by leaching the buds, leaves, or stems of the cannabis plant in a high-proof alcohol or glycerin. The THC dissolves into the alcohol resulting in a dark green or brown liquid. The liquid is very potent and is usually dropped under one's tongue or it can be mixed with...
tavern) "organized the Boston brigade band. ... Maj. Simpson was just the man to carry out successfully Capt. Brimmer's desire, for besides being well acquainted with the few musicians in Boston, he was the popular host of the tavern ... at which many of the old members [of the Green Dragon band] often congregated.
The band often performed at appearances of the Boston Light Infantry. "The band was not simply a brigade band in name; the leader having a warrant conferred by the brigadier general and forming a component part of the brigade, was under the immediate and sole command and orders of the general [William Sullivan]."
Through the years, leaders of the band included: Asa Fillebrown (1821–1826, 1828–1835); James Kendall (1826–1827); Abel F. Knight (1836–1844); J.H. Seipp (1844–1848); Patrick S. Gilmore
Patrick Gilmore
Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore was an Irish-born composer and bandmaster who lived and worked in the United States after 1848. Whilst serving in the Union Army during the Civil War, Gilmore wrote the lyrics to the song "When Johnny Comes Marching Home", the tune he took from an old Irish antiwar folk...
(1852, ca.1859); and E.H. Weston (ca.1858).
Band members in 1824 included: John Bartlett (trumpet); James Clark (clarinet); Lemuel Clark (French horn); William Crombie (bassoon); Asa Fillebrown (clarinet); George W. Foster (octave flute); James K. Kendall (clarinet); Richard Madden (bugle); Joel R. Mann (clarinet); Moses Mann (serpent
Serpent (instrument)
A serpent is a bass wind instrument, descended from the cornett, and a distant ancestor of the tuba, with a mouthpiece like a brass instrument but side holes like a woodwind. It is usually a long cone bent into a snakelike shape, hence the name. The serpent is closely related to the cornett,...
); Willard W. Mann (clarinet); J. Henry Niebuhr (trumpet); Calvin Simonds (clarinet); Jonathan Stanley (bass drum); Asa Warren (bass horn); John B. Warren; Samuel Wetherbee (French horn); Charles Wright (cymbals). "William Crombie, who beat the cymbols, kept a tavern on the corner of Cambridge and Garden" streets. "Lemuel Clark was a crusty man, but a good musician. He became drum major of the band in September, 1830(?), on Centennial day. ... He wore a scarlet coat, flat cocked hat and carried a red baton, which he never knew how to swing, saying: 'He wasn't going to play any of them monkey tricks.'"
"The band uniform ... was especially neat and attractive and bore a marked difference to any then worn by the militia. The coat was blue, of the same style and pattern as worn by the officers of the U.S. army, with three rows of bell buttons on the front, and was further set off by a gold-laced collar."
According to one account, "the band grew in proficiency, and became quite celebrated. It existed until 1861, when it was dissolved by Mr. Eben Flagg. After the band dissolved, some of the musicians joined the Edmands' Band and Orchestra, formed in 1863 by Thomas Ormsby Edmands.
Selected performances
- 1821, Sept. 23 – Brigade muster, Boston CommonBoston CommonBoston Common is a central public park in Boston, Massachusetts. It is sometimes erroneously referred to as the "Boston Commons". Dating from 1634, it is the oldest city park in the United States. The Boston Common consists of of land bounded by Tremont Street, Park Street, Beacon Street,...
- 1823, Oct. 15 – Salem Light Infantry 18th Anniversary, Salem MA
- 1831, June – Boston Guards visit to Philadelphia. "The band gave two concerts at Musical Fund Hall, which were greatly applauded, and attended by 12 or 1500 persons."
- 1830, Oct. 25 – Salem Light Infantry 25th Anniversary, Salem MA
- 1832 – Laying the cornerstone of the Masonic Temple, Boston.
- 1833, Oct. 16 – Salem Light Infantry 28th Anniversary, Salem MA
- 1835, Oct. 16 – Salem Light Infantry 30th Anniversary, Salem MA
- 1837, Oct. 4 – Parade on Berry Street, Boston
- 1837, Aug. 24 – Salem Light Infantry 32nd Anniversary, Salem MA
- 1838, Oct. – Regimental parade, Boston
- 1840, May 29 – Parade in IpswichIpswich, MassachusettsIpswich is a coastal town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 12,987 at the 2000 census. Home to Willowdale State Forest and Sandy Point State Reservation, Ipswich includes the southern part of Plum Island...
, MA - 1840, July – Encampment of the Boston Light Infantry, Springfield Mass.
- 1841, Aug. 17 – Boston
- 1843, Feb. – Odeon, Boston
- 1844, May 30 – Abstinence Convention, Boston
- 1844, June 26 – Salem, MA
- 1844, Aug. 15 – YaleYale UniversityYale University is a private, Ivy League university located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701 in the Colony of Connecticut, the university is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States...
commencement, New Haven CT - 1853, May 26 – Keene, New HampshireKeene, New HampshireKeene is a city in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 23,409 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Cheshire County.Keene is home to Keene State College and Antioch University New England, and hosts the annual Pumpkin Fest...
, centennial celebration - 1854, August – University of VermontUniversity of VermontThe University of Vermont comprises seven undergraduate schools, an honors college, a graduate college, and a college of medicine. The Honors College does not offer its own degrees; students in the Honors College concurrently enroll in one of the university's seven undergraduate colleges or...
semi-centennial celebration - 1855 – Middlesex Cattle Show and Exhibition. "The Spading Match took place at ten, immediately after the plowing, and, as usual, drew a large concourse of spectators. The stirring strains of the Boston Brigade Band lent their aid to the occasion, and the scene soon became an animated one, the spectators at once fixing upon their favorite competitors, and becoming as deeply interested as the spaders themselves."
- 1855, Oct. 9 – Salem Light Infantry 50th Anniversary, Salem MA
- 1856 – Brown UniversityBrown UniversityBrown University is a private, Ivy League university located in Providence, Rhode Island, United States. Founded in 1764 prior to American independence from the British Empire as the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations early in the reign of King George III ,...
commencement - 1856, Oct. 2 – Reception of President Franklin PierceFranklin PierceFranklin Pierce was the 14th President of the United States and is the only President from New Hampshire. Pierce was a Democrat and a "doughface" who served in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate. Pierce took part in the Mexican-American War and became a brigadier general in the Army...
in New Hampshire. - 1859 – Visit of the Knights Templar of Boston to Masons in Richmond, CaliforniaRichmond, CaliforniaRichmond is a city in western Contra Costa County, California, United States. The city was incorporated on August 7, 1905. It is located in the East Bay, part of the San Francisco Bay Area. It is a residential inner suburb of San Francisco, as well as the site of heavy industry, which has been...
- 1863, Sept. 2 – Arrival of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry54th Massachusetts Volunteer InfantryThe 54th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry was an infantry regiment that saw extensive service in the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment was one of the first official black units in the United States during the Civil War...
at Commercial Wharf, Boston
1820s
- The Boston Brigade march : as performed by the Brigade Band at the reception of Genl. Lafayette; arranged for the piano forte by James Hewitt. Boston : Published by James L. Hewitt at his music store no. 70 Market St., [1824?]. Also known as Lafayette’s quick step.
- The Norfolk guards : favorite quickstep : as performed by the Boston Brigade band : arranged for the piano forte. New York : Published by James L. Hewitt & Co. at their music saloon, [between 1827 and 1829]
1830s
- The Massachusetts Grand Railway march / as played by the Boston Brigade Band. Boston (197 Washington Street, Boston) : John AshtonJohn Ashton (music publisher)John Ashton was a merchant and music publisher in Boston, Massachusetts, in the 19th century. He owned a "music & umbrella store" at no.197 Washington Street which sold "all the new and fashionable music" ca.1819-1844. He manufactured and sold musical instruments; tuned pianos; and published and...
, [ca. 1830] - President JacksonAndrew JacksonAndrew Jackson was the seventh President of the United States . Based in frontier Tennessee, Jackson was a politician and army general who defeated the Creek Indians at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend , and the British at the Battle of New Orleans...
's grand march / arranged for the piano forte by Mr. Peile. 2nd ed. New York : Published by J.L. Hewitt, [1830–1835]. "Performed by the Boston Brigade Band and presented by them to the publisher." - Corner-stone march. Boston (164 Washington St.) : Published by C. Bradlee, 1832. "As performed by the Boston Brigade Band at the ceremony of laying the cornerstone of the Masonic Temple, Boston. Dedicated to the fraternity by Ch. ZeunerCharles ZeunerCharles Zeuner was an organist and composer active in Germany for a time, and then in Boston and Philadelphia in the United States.-Biography:...
." - Rangers quick step. Boston : Published for the author by C. Bradlee; Boston (141 Washington St.) : sold by S.H. ParkerSamuel H. ParkerSamuel Hale Parker was a publisher and bookseller in 19th-century Boston, Massachusetts, United States. He published musical scores as well as novels, sermons, and other titles...
; Boston : Pendleton's LithographyPendleton's LithographyPendleton's Lithography was a lithographic print studio in 19th-century Boston, Massachusetts, established by brothers William S. Pendleton and John B. Pendleton . Though relatively short-lived, in its time the firm was prolific, printing portraits, landscape views, sheet music covers, and...
, 1834. "Respectfully dedicated to Capt. C. R. Lowell and the officers and members of the Boston Rifle Rangers. Performed for the first time by the Boston Brigade Band, Augt.26, 1834. Composed (in part) by T. Comer." - Rangers’ trip to Westborough or lion quickstep. Boston : Published for the author by C. Bradlee ; Pendleton’s Lithogy, 1834. "Respectfully dedicated to Capt. Chas. C. Paine and the officers and members of the Rifle Rangers, Boston. Performed for the first time on their visit to the Lyon Farm by the Brigade Band at the opening of the railroad to Westborough, November 15th, 1834. Composed by James Hooton."
- The Tiger quick step / composed by Thos. Comer. Boston (115 Washington St., Boston) : Oliver DitsonOliver DitsonOliver Ditson was an American businessman and founder of Oliver Ditson and Company, one of the major music publishing houses of the late 19th century. Ditson began his business with Samuel H...
, 1834. "Respectfully dedicated to Capt. E. Weston and the Officers & members of the Boston Light Infantry, performed for the first time at their annversary 1834 by the Boston Brigade Band."
- City guards quickstep. Boston : Published by Oliver Ditson ; Pendleton’s Lithogy, 1835. "Composed by Walch, arranged for the pianoforte with a flute accompaniment and also for two flutes by Ch.Zeuner. Dedicated to the City Guards by the Boston Brigade Band."
- Paine's quick step: respectfully dedicated to Capt. Chas. C. Paine, as performed by the Boston Brigade Band at the encampment of the Rifle Rangers. Boston: Parker & Ditson, 1836.
- Pulaski quickstep. Boston : Published by Oliver Ditson ; Boston : Moore’s Lith., 1836. "As played by the Boston Brigade Band. Respectfully dedicated to Gen. J. L. C. Amee, first commander of the Pulaski Guards by James Hooton."
- Sutton's quick step : respectfully dedicated to Capt. William Sutton, and the officers and members of the Salem Independent Cadets by the Boston Brigade Band. Boston: Parker & Ditson, 1837.
- Charles ZeunerCharles ZeunerCharles Zeuner was an organist and composer active in Germany for a time, and then in Boston and Philadelphia in the United States.-Biography:...
. Herz's quick step: as played by the Boston Brigade Band : arranged for the piano forte. Boston: Parker & Ditson, 1837. - The Berry Street Rangers quickstep. Boston : Published by H.PrentissHenry PrentissHenry Prentiss manufactured musical instruments, umbrellas and sheet music, which he sold from his shop on Court Street in Boston, Massachusetts in the 19th-century.-Further reading:* Mr. Henry Prentiss's Music Store...
; T. Moore’s Lithogy, [ca.1837]. "Our Country is Safe" as performed by the Boston Brigade Band at the Volunteer Parade of the company Oct. 4th, 1837, and dedicated to the officers and members of the company by the Boston Brigade Band. Composed by Walch." - The Dennis quickstep. Boston : Published by G. P. Reed ; Thos. Moore’s Lithography., 1839. "As performed by the Boston Brigade Band. Respectfully dedicated to Major Louis Dennis, officers, and members of the Hancock Light Infantry. Performed for the 1st time at their anniversary Oct.28th, 1839. Composed and arranged for the pianoforte and flute by B. A. Burditt."
- Greys quickstep. Boston : Published by Henry PrentissHenry PrentissHenry Prentiss manufactured musical instruments, umbrellas and sheet music, which he sold from his shop on Court Street in Boston, Massachusetts in the 19th-century.-Further reading:* Mr. Henry Prentiss's Music Store...
; T. Moore’s Lith., 1839. "Respectfully dedicated to Capt. John C. Park, officers, and members of the Greys. Composed and arranged for the piano by B. A. Burditt. Performed for the first time by the Boston Brigade Band at the encampment in Portsmouth, July 31st, 1839." - Hancock Light Infantry quickstep. Boston : Published by Henry Prentiss ; Thos.Moore’s Lith., 1839. "Composed and dedicated to Capt. Louis Dennis, officers, and members of the Hancock Light Infantry by Wm. Isenbeck. As performed by the Boston Brigade Band on their first parade, Oct. 28th, 1839."
- Mammoth cod quickstep. Boston : Published by Henry Prentiss; Thos. Moore’s Lith., 1839. "As performed by the Boston Brigade Band. Composed and respectfully dedicated to the members of the Mammoth Cod Association by B. A. Burditt. Arranged for the pianoforte by H. P. Monroe."
- Stevens quickstep. Boston : Published by Henry Prentiss ; T. Moore’s Lithogy., 1839. "Composed and respectfully dedicated to Captain Seriah Stevens, officers, and members of the Pulaski Guards by Zaleucus (a member of the company). As performed by the Boston Brigade Band at their encampment, Dorchester HeightsDorchester HeightsDorchester Heights is the central area of South Boston. It is the highest area in the neighborhood and commands a view of both Boston Harbor and downtown.-History:...
, August 8th, 1839."
1840s
- Baltimore Whig Convention Quick Step. Boston : Published by Henry Prentiss ; Thayer, successor to Moore, 1840. "As performed with great success by the Boston Brigade Band. Composed and arranged for the pianoforte by Zaleucus."
- Camp Sargent quick step. Boston : Published by Geo.P.Reed ; Thayer’s Lith., 1840. "Performed at the encampment of the Boston Light Infantry, Springfield Mass. July 1840. Inscribed by the Boston Brigade Band to Capt.E.G.Austin, officers, and members of that corps."
- Col. J.S.Amory’s quick-step. Boston : Published for the author by H.Prentiss ; Thayer, successor to Moore., ca.1840. "As performed by the Boston Brigade Band January 1st, 1840. Composed by B.A. Burditt for the Independent Company of Cadets & by them respectfully dedicated to their commander."
- Hall’s quick step. Boston : Published by Oakes & Swan ; Thayer’s Lithogy., 1840. "As performed by the Boston Brigade Band. Composed and arranged by T.Bricher. Respectfully dedicated to Orderly John H.Hall by the Greys."
- The Norfolk Guards quick step. Boston : Published by Oakes & Swan, 1840. "As performed by the Boston Brigade Band. Composed and respectfully dedicated to the officers and members of the Norfolk Guards by George O.Farmer."
- The original castanet Spanish dance, la cachucha [sic] : as danced by Madlle. Fanny Elssler ; performed with unbounded applause by the Boston Brigade Band. Boston : H. Prentiss, 1840.
- The Winnisimmet quickstep: As performed by the Boston Brigade Band. Boston : Published by Henry Prentiss ; Thayer’s Lithography, 1840.
- Worcester Guards quickstep. Boston : Published by Henry Prentiss ; Thayer’s Lith., 1840. "As performed by the Boston Brigade Band, September 19th, 1840. Composed and respectfully dedicated to the officers and members of the Worcester Guards by Samuel R. Leland."
- Funeral march. Boston : Published by Henry Prentiss ; B.W.Thayer’s Lithography, 1841. "In memory of William H. HarrisonWilliam Henry HarrisonWilliam Henry Harrison was the ninth President of the United States , an American military officer and politician, and the first president to die in office. He was 68 years, 23 days old when elected, the oldest president elected until Ronald Reagan in 1980, and last President to be born before the...
, late President of the United States. Performed by the Boston Brigade Band, April 10th, 1841. Composed and arranged for the pianoforte by J.H.Seipp." - Mount Washington quick step. Boston : Published by Charles H. KeithCharles H. KeithCharles H. Keith was an American music publisher in Boston, Massachusetts in the 19th century. His business was located on Court Street, ca.1840s-1850s. Among the songs published by his firm were "Old Dan Tucker" , "Ole Bull and Old Dan Tucker" , and "Dandy Jim ob Caroline" .-External links:*...
; Thayer & Co’s, 1842. "As performed by the Boston Brigade Band. Composed and arranged by Alexander Messinger, a pupil at the Massachusetts Asylum for the Blind. Respectfully dedicated to Dr.S.G.Howe, principal of that institution." - Trull’s quick step. Boston : Published by Parker & Ditson ; Thayer & Co.’s Lith., 1842. "As performed by the Boston Brigade Band. Composed and respectfully dedicated to Lieut. Ezra Trull Jr. of the City Greys by T.Bricher."
- Twelve admired quick steps. Boston : Published by Chas. H. Keith ; Thayer & Co.’s Lithogy., 1842. "To the memory of lost Poland composed and respectfully dedicated to the American nation by Adam Kurek, a Polish exile. As performed at the concerts of the celebrated Brigade Band of Boston, A. F. Knight, leader. Arranged for the pianoforte by Prof. J. R. Garcia of Boston."
- Capt. Andrews’ quick step. Boston : Published by Henry Prentiss ; Thayer & Co’s Lith., ca.1843. "As performed by the Boston Brigade Band. Composed and arranged for the pianoforte and respectfully dedicated to Captain Samuel Andrews and the officers and members of the Boston Light Infantry by C.L. Holbrook."
- Winchester’s quick step. Boston : Published by Chas.H.Keith ; Thayer & Co’s. Lithogy., 1843. "Respectfully dedicated by the officers and members of the Independent Company of Cadets to their commander Col. Wm. P. Winchester. Composed by Adam Kurek, introducing the Spanish air of El Abrazo de Vergara. Arranged for the piano by T.Comer. Performed by the Brigade Band at their concerts."
- Buonaparte quickstep. Boston : Published by Henry Prentiss ; Thayer & Co.’s Lith., 1844. "As performed by the Boston Brigade Band. Composed and arranged for the pianoforte by Wm. C. Glynn."
- The celebrated Love not quick step / as performed by the Boston Brigade Band ; arranged for the piano forte by J.H. Seipp. Boston (67 & 69 Court St., Boston) : Keith's Music Publishing House, 1845.
- Duke de Reichstadt’s Grand March. Boston (33 Court St.) : Published by Henry Prentiss, [18--]. "As performed with great success by the Boston Brigade Band. Composed by Strauss."
Further reading
- Curtis Guild. Boston 60 years ago. Boston Daily Globe, Jan 17, 1900. p.6.
- Arthur W. Drayley. Boston's first military bands: Green Dragon band. Boston Daily Globe, Aug 6, 1900. p.6.
- Arthur W. Drayley. Boston's first military bands: brass instruments unknown in Boston. Boston Daily Globe, Aug 7, 1900. p.6.
- John Torrey Morse. Memoir of Colonel Henry Lee: with selections from his writings and speeches. Little, Brown, and Company, 1905.