screamingmorris

Some people who post here are involved in Civil War reenactment bands.

An article appeared in our local newspaper several days ago, but I forgot to save the newspaper clipping.
Fortunately, the local newspaper included the article in its on-line version:

Civil War re-enactors create cottage industry | courier-journal | The Courier-Journal

If you click on the picture of the soldier on the far right of the page, you get a larger image which contains these facts around the picture of the soldier:

Would any of the posters here in Trumpet Master be willing to tell us how much it costs to buy an authentic cornet and bugle for use in Civil War re-enactment bands?

- Morris

Dale Proctor

Well, we don't need a musket, cartridge box, sword, cannon, tent (we don't camp out), or canteen. They also left shoes, socks, pants, and hats off the list. The simple uniform and accessories (hat, shirt, coat, vest, pants, suspenders, belt, socks, shoes, and haversack) probably amount to around $500. We have three different outfits - CSA, USA, and civilian.

The horn price can vary greatly, depending on the rarity, condition, and which instrument (tuba, baritone, cornet, etc.) you're talking about. For a period (or close to it) unmarked bell-forward Bb cornet in decent shape, you're looking at around $1000 or a little more today. This will probably be a horn that you fight all the way for response and intonation. A really nice, marked horn that's a relatively good player will be $3000 or so. Over-the-shoulder Bb cornets are twice that, or many times even much more. Check out the occasional one that pops up on eBay for an idea of the price range.

One thing to consider, the reenactors buy all their uniforms and equipment, and then pay to drive to and participate in reenactments. We buy all our stuff, too, but are then paid to perform at reenactments (and many other venues). In addition, the organizers pay our travel and lodging expenses, so we can (and did) recoup our investment relatively quickly. We have the advantage of being a small group, so there are fewer mouths to feed, so to speak. Large bands don't enjoy this advantage. The disadvantage of a group as small as ours, is there is one player to a part, so the playing is practically non-stop; there are very few rests in our arrangements. That will build up your endurance, for sure.

Anyway, hope that sheds some light on the subject. BTW, I'm the guy on the lower right in the picture.

Olde Towne Brass

__________________
"Brass bands are all very well in their place - outdoors and several miles away." - Sir Thomas Beecham

Olde Towne Brass
www.otbrass.com

Brass Band of Huntsville
www.brassbandofhuntsville.org

Sterling

Another thing to consider is that bands can perform for other venues: anniversaries, commerations, of towns or events in the past. We have been known to play at public schools (for pay) that have the Civil War in their curriculum.


Lee Turner

Excelsior Cornet Band

excelsiorcornetband.com