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History

Brass bands were the most visible amateur musical ensembles both on and off the streets of mid-19th century America. An American military brass band played an important role in the history of California even before the discovery of gold in 1848. In October of 1842, Commodore Ap Catesby Jones of the U.S.S. United States prematurely captured Monterey because he believed that war had been declared against Mexico. He was soon informed of his blunder by Counsul, Thomas Oliver Larkin, who had been sent to Monterey by President Polk to lay the groundwork for a peaceful American takeover.

A few months later, Micheltorena, the Mexican governor of California, held a formal "Ball of Forgiveness" for the American officers. At the event, Commodore Jones made his official apology, after which the governor asked for the payment of reparations. The californios had so enjoyed the music of the fine brass band aboard the United States (which had played for parties and dances during their stay), that Micheltorena demanded- and reportedly received- their entire set of instruments along with $10,000 in cash and 80 new military uniforms!

The brass band phenomenon of the Gold Rush was unique because it brought together not only American musicians and their literature, but the musical styles and repertoire of British, German and Italian bands. It was not unusual to find these bands co-existing in the same town! They often appeared separately at important civic and social events and even competed in annual contests. The winner of one "battle of the bands" got to keep and display a special banner until the next contest rolled around.

Here are some more examples of brass band activities:

In the spring of 1851, the Columbia Brass Band along with 6,000 to 8,000 men escorted the first woman they had seen in months into their gaily decorated town.

UTICA BRASS BAND (SONORA)

In 1855, August Wetterman, a transplanted Swedish bandmaster, was hired to lead the band of the Lee and Marshall Circus which toured the mining camps twice that year.

Wetterman formed the famous Sacramento Union Brass Band in 1856. It was engaged to accompany the city militia to San Francisco for the funeral of James King of William who had been shot by James F. Casey.

In 1857, the Columbia Brass Band led the May Day procession to Cole's Ranch near Sonora, and later, the Sonora (German) Brass Band under the direction of Prof. Schmitz, performed a concert with the Sonora Glee Club. Following the concert a ball began at 6:00 p.m. and continued until four o'clock in the morning. Still today the tradition persists in Sonora of band concerts in the plaza under giant shade trees.

In November of 1858, Faxon's Sonora Band and the Columbia Brass Band led a procession in celebration of the opening of the flood gates of the new high flume ("A Grand Water Celebration"). The latter played for the ceremonies at the end of the procession.

The Sacramento Union Brass Band performed in San Francisco in 1858 for the laying of the Atlantic Cable when Queen Victoria sent the first message over the cable to President James Buchanan.

In 1863 The Tuolomne Courier mentions the Columbia Cornet Band's performing Mozart, Beethoven, and Rossini "with great fidelity".

MURPHY'S INDEPENDENT CORNET BAND
AT CALAVERAS BIG TREES

Willis' Band performed Gungl's Rail Road Galop in Sacramento at the Mechanics' Industrial Fair in 1869 in honor of the recent completion of the transcontinental railroad.

SOULSBYVILLE SILVER CORNET BAND - 1878

In 1870 the Washington Cornet Band, the Independent Band, and the Sonora Silver Cornet Band played for the Tuolomne Engine Company No. l's sixth annual ball at Jarvis' Grove.

The Soulsbyville Silver Cornet Band played a benefit concert in 1878 to help raise money for the church's new pipe organ.

In 1888 the newly-formed Young Men's Club Brass Band [of Sonora] advertised the formation of a stock company with bond offerings at one dollar per share to be redeemed at ten percent interest, per annum, in two years.

In 1890, The Columbia Cornet Band (also know as "The Ice Cream Band") made a pilgrimage to Yosemite. They were the second band to visit the valley. While there, they played for dances and concerts.

SONORA BAND - 1887