The repertoire of Civil War brass bands was a diverse mix of stirring patriotic anthems, sentimental parlor songs, and fast-paced "quicksteps" designed to keep soldiers in formation. Many of these tunes are still recognizable today and served as a shared cultural language that occasionally bridged the gap between opposing lines during lulls in fighting. 

Some songs were so deeply embedded in the American psyche that they were performed by both Union and Confederate bands, such as "Home, Sweet Home" and “Dixie.” Songs popular in the Union were often used to rally troops and celebrate the cause of freedom, adapting older tunes with new, more pointed lyrics such as “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” “John Brown’s Body,” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Listen to a clip of The Battle Cry of Freedom from the Federal City Brass Band’s 2009 album, Hurrah for the Union! Music of Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War.

Unless otherwise noted, all objects are from the Fort Ward Museum Collection.

Exhibit introduction:

Buglers & Brass Bands: Soldier Musicians in the Civil War