CarlisleBand.org

History

A Bygone Era Preserved

Once upon a time in America, before the invention of radio and television, life moved at a slower pace. Americans were challenged to find or create a means of recreation. Band music filled much of the need for entertainment and the names of the famous leaders of the traveling bands, John Phillip Sousa, Karl L King, Edwin Franko Goldman, among others, became household words.

In addition to the professional bands, virtually every city or town in the United States was home to at least one community band. These bands were comprised of local citizens devoting their time and enthusiasm to making music for their own enjoyment and that of the local area. Townspeople would gather picnics and sit in the green grass under the shade trees of the local park to socialize with others, and to listen to the music of their friends and neighbors.

Today, many of these community bands have folded, victims of a more turbulent society, and the advent of other forms of entertainment. Those few which remain have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years. As communities have developed a fierce sense of pride in there local talent, and as new generations of musicians, many have turned to community bands as an outlet for their talents

Come join or listen to a community band!

Timeline

The Carlisle Band was formed in 1844 and has been performing continuously since 1900.

This fact gives the distinction of being one of the oldest town bands in existence. From 1905 to 1925, the Band was mustered into the military as the Eighth Regimental National Guard Band. The Band served with the US Army on the Mexican Border and became part of the 28th Division. The Band ended its military career as the Governors Own 104th Calvary Band.

At one point, it performed mounted on horses. In 1925 it reverted back to civilian status and again became The Carlisle Town Band.

Carlisle Band Facts:

1844 - Began as the Carlisle Brass Band

1866 - woodwinds added to the Band

1905 - The entire Band enlisted as the 8th Regimental Band, Pennsylvania National Guard.

1907 - The Band was named the 104th Cavalry Band and played mounted on horseback.

1916 - The Band was sent to El Paso, Texas during the war with Mexico

1922 - The Band as a tribute to its service in Texas. was designated as the Governor's own.

1923 - mustered out of the PNG and reformed as The Carlisle Town Band which exists to the present time.

The Band was comprised of only male members until the late 60's when females were Admitted

Our Own Band Hall

Carlisle Band is one of a few bands that has its own hall, which was built in 1948. Construction was made possible through the donation of materials by many local businesses.

The Carlisle Band Hall is located at 35 East South Street Carlisle, Pa. 17013