Episode notes
Episode 31 is our conversation with Bill Gay - founder of the 2nd Cavalry Brigade Band and experienced Civil War brass band reenactor and leader. We also talk about his time with and experiences starting both the Americus Brass Band and Saxton’s Cornet Band as well as his organizing and leading efforts in Ohio.
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Music in this episode comes from the 2nd Cavalry Brigade Band and Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress.
Episode Structure:
2:11 - Bill's musical background and how he got involved with reenacting bands
4:54 - Forming the Americus Brass Band - instruments, music, early gigs
14:49 - Rejoining the Americus Band for the 125th anniversary reenactments
17:50 - Moving to Kentucky and forming Saxton's Cornet Band
21:54 - Role of living history presentations in modern society
27:02 - Bill's activities after Saxton's Cornet Band - Cavalry Bands
29:44 - History of cavalry bands during the Civil War
38:06 - Audio of the 2nd Cavalry BrigadeBand in Parade
39:11 - Goals of the 2nd Cavalry Brigade Band
42:51 - Different business philosophies for running these bands
46:21 - Non-brass band projects Bill is involved in
52:00 - Mounted military bands in other countries, gigs the 2nd Cavalry Brigade Band has played
55:49 - Where you can find more about the 2nd Cavalry Brigade Band
1:00:30 - Where you can find more about the 2nd Cavalry Brigade Band
1:05:35 - Featured Album: Saxton's Cornet Band "Music of the Civil War"