Instrumentation
The 46th Pennsylvania Regiment band was originally formed out of the Birdsboro, PA community band. It’s recorded that 15 members of the community band were successfully recruited into the regiment, including at least one (1) Eb clarinet player. This would make the band rare in the brass band movement, but one of the most popular regimental bands during the Civil War before they were dissolved into brigade-level bands in 1862.
E-Flat Cornet
Popularly known as a “sopranino”, this horn was the lead melodic voicing most of the time for brass bands during this era. Like many other saxhorns during its time, it came in three possible configurations: Over-The-Shoulder (OTS), Bell-Front, or Circular (rare).
B-Flat Cornet
Although the B-flat trumpet is its modern descendant and thought of as the lead voice, B-flat cornets took a backseat and supported the Eb instruments most of the time. Like many other saxhorns during its time, it came in three possible configurations: Over-The-Shoulder (OTS), Bell-Front, or Circular (rare).
E-Flat Alto
The “alto horn” filled in the second and third voicing gaps in many arrangements. It remained popular in America for marching bands after the brass band movement through the 1960’s and 70’s, eventually being replaced by the Alto Saxophone. Like many other saxhorns during its time, it came in two possible configurations: Over-The-Shoulder (OTS) and Bell-Front.
B-Flat Tenor
The “tenor horn” was an essential lower voice in the brass band, as it was the upper voice for the bottom voicings of many arrangements. Sometimes it was even featured in certain popular tunes due to its higher voicing and mellow, cheerful tone. Like many other saxhorns during its time, it came in two possible configurations: Over-The-Shoulder (OTS) and Bell-Front.
E-Flat Tuba
The Eb Tuba was unique in that it was the bass voice for the brass band, and solidified the popular higher keys for arrangements of the time. Its smaller nature – as opposed to the modern tuba – allowed soldiers to carry it much more easily onto the field and for longer distances. The E-flat tuba came in two possible configurations: Over-The-Shoulder (OTS) and Upright, although the OTS was usually preferred so that the player could rest it on his shoulder.
E-Flat Clarinet
While the brass band movement was an exciting musical development in America, the 46th PA Regiment band – along with other bands scattered throughout the Union and Confederacy – recruited any musicians that were willing to fight for their respective causes. The 46th was recorded having at least one clarinet player from an engraving of the band in 1861 and written documentation from the time. Due to its open-hole system, this clarinet was unique and more difficult to play than its modern descendants.
B-Flat Piccolo
Another woodwind that, although not present in the 46th PA Regiment Band, was the Bb Piccolo. During the revival of our band, we have had only one member – Barbara Fagan of Altoona, PA – who not only successfully plays this instrument but understands its intricacies. Due to its unique open-hole system, the Bb Piccolo was incredibly difficult to play, making mastery of this instrument all the more impressive to our members and the audience!
Snare Drum
Hailing back to the era of fife and drum corps, the snare drum is one of the most easily recognizable of the Victorian-era percussion instruments. During the brass band movement, the snare drum shifted from fife and drum call-and-response functions to a companion to the band, and remains an incredibly important instrument today. This particular drum was tightened and loosened via a simple rope-tension system, enabling the player to get a sharper or looser sound from its calf-skin head.
Barrel Drum
The “barrel drum”, as it was commonly referred to, was a rope-tension bass drum in brass bands. This drum kept the heartbeat of the band, and the entire band heavily relied on it to keep time. Only a handful of originals remain in the entire world, and are preserved in museums throughout the United States.