31 - Interview with Bill Gay: 45 Years of Forming Civil War Brass Bands

The Early American Brass Band Podcast

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"