Abraham Lincoln and the Brodhead Brass Band

2009 will be a very special time in American history. It will be the bicentennial year of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. We know that Lincoln loved music, that he was a terrible dancer, and that he was fond of the ladies. We can picture the ungainly Lincoln on the dance floor, all arms and legs attempting a polka or waltz and the very tall Lincoln and the very short Mary Todd together on the dance floor.

Of all of the bands that Lincoln must have heard, only the 1st Brigade Band remains active today.  It existed before the Civil War as the Brodhead Brass Band and during Lincoln’s debates with Douglas, the small brass band from Brodhead, Wisconsin, traveled south across the Illinois border to play at the debates. The Brodhead band became the 3rd Wisconsin Infantry Band and then the 1st Brigade Band. Undoubtedly, Lincoln heard it play several times. We know that he heard it as the Brodhead Band at the debates with Douglas.

It may astound some people that the present day band actually has at least two horns that Lincoln heard play. One is an E flat alto that was used at the debates. The other is an OTS baritone used by the 1st Brigade Band during several troop reviews that Lincoln attended.

During the upcoming bicentennial celebration year of Lincoln’s birth, the band will undoubtedly be busy with concerts, balls, and historic presentations. Make plans now to engage the band for your Lincoln celebration in 2009. They have programs for all sorts of occasions. See their promotional film clip on this website and contact Dave Woolpert or Ed Pierce for more information.