On Sunday, June 5, the New Sheridan Cornet Band gave an outdoor concert featuring 1860s music, the music that could have been played by the 18th Infantry Band at Fort Phil Kearny from 1866 to 1868.
The concert was at at Kearney Hall in Story, following a talk about Col. Carrington presented by Sonny Reisch.
Made up of advanced amateur players and music educators, the band has been performing 19th Century band music since its beginnings in 1999, when it was a popular part of the Buffalo Bill Days celebrations at the Sheridan Inn.
Dana Prater, band member, introduced the band, talked about army bands and introduced the musical numbers they played. In her introduction, she said they wanted to offer their impression of the kind of music played at the fort.
Prater said that Mrs. Frances Drummon Carrington, who wrote a book about her experiences at Fort Phil Kearny, mentioned some of the music that the band played at the fort.
Prater added that there were usually two types of musician at the forts, and she talked about the differences, and what was expected of each group of musicians.
The first type included the band leader, his assistant, and 20 enlisted band members. “The numbers varied,” Prater said.
The second type of musicians were the field musicians.
On Sunday, the band played 12 selections, Cavalry Quick Step; Air From Martha, featuring tenor, Dan Bleak; Cape May Polka; Lilly Lee Waltz; Old Dog Tray, Dan Bleak; When the Swallows Homeward Fly; Come Where My Love Lies Dreaming, Dan Bleak; A Light in the Window; Oh, Kentucky, Kentucky; National Airs, The Star Spangled Banner and Hail Columbia; Serenade; and Storm Gallop.
Written in 1814 by Francis Scott Key, The Star Spangled Banner was recognized for official use by the United States Navy in 1889. It was made the U.S. National Anthem in 1931 by a congressional resolution.
In 1866, Prater said that The Star Spangled Banner was simply a patriotic song, and Drummon said in her book that a long drum roll preceeded the music.
The NEW Sheridan Cornet Band members are Eric Richards, Conductor; Dave Knutson, E flat Cornet; Diane Knutson, B flat Cornet; Mason Means, B flat Cornet; Dana Prater, E flat Alto; Edre Maier, E flat Alto; Jeff Prater, Baritone; Erin Schanzenbach, Trombone; Dan Bleak, Trombone and Vocals; Ariel Downing, Tuba; Steve Baskin, Snare Drum; Cynde Georgen, Bass Drum; Kristy Dooley, Piccolo and Flute; Nolan Billings, Clarinet.
Around 30 people attended the event, sponsored by the Fort Phil Kearny/Bozeman Trail Association.
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Last modified: June 7, 2022