The first band in New York City consisted of four sturdy Dutch citizens who played the trumpet, flute, violin and drum. They gave a free concert every Saturday afternoon at Bowling Green to crowds of one hundred or more people. This was in the 1630’s. A few years later seven younger, better-looking men made up a rival band. They played louder and became more popular. Many small bands were organized in Boston during the next few years. Several little German bands came to this country and stopped in Boston. Some played on streets and were called Gutter Bands. Others were excellent musicians and one of their flute players became the flutist in the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In 1773 Mr. Josiah Flagg formed a band of fifty or more men and gave concerts in Faneuil Hall. This was the first band of any size in America. Other bands were soon organized in Boston: The Green Dragon, and the Boston Brigade Band were very well known. * * * * * Bands may come and bands may go, but none like those found in a few small towns in the early 1800’s will ever be seen again. Even in those days everyone loved gay uniforms. Some of the bandsmen wore home-made bandsuits which challenge description. The members of one little band in New England wore lined, red flannel trousers with dark but decorated coats. The bandleaders in those days seemed to concentrate on their hats. Some wore big plug hats with gay rosettes made of ribbon or flowers. Others wore gorgeous plumes. The men in the bands usually had cloth epaulets sewn on their shoulders; the leaders’ epaulets were trimmed so that they looked like glistening jewels. They usually wore whiskers, or at least well-waxed moustaches. The members of the bands, like their leaders, were often untrained and always unpaid. Though most of them could read music, many played “by ear.” Human folk need some form of self-expression and music is an ideal mode for an individual to give vent to his feelings and voice his desires. Often the mousiest, quietest little man in town joins the band and insists upon playing the tuba or pounding the largest drum. It gives him a feeling of importance and the satisfaction of achievement. He may not make speeches, or write influential articles, but he can beat the rhythm or blow the loud “oompas” that set the pace for the whole band. As America’s population increased, almost every village and town had a band. Their concerts in the public square became regular features. These village bands have done much for the advancement of music in our country. They have given more pleasure and delight to a greater number of people than any other agency. These bands have helped the love of music to find its way into the lives and hearts of the American people. [Illustration] _U. S. Military Bands_ “When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe.” Thus wrote Henry D. Thoreau in his journal a century ago.