The American Civil War was fought from 1861 to 1865 to determine the survival of the Union or independence for the Confederacy. The world was at war again. The Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 preceded the Civil War. The country could not agree on how blacks should live. Should they live as slaves or not? Singing in schools and musical venues as well as band concerts were popular forms of entertainment prior to the war. Sheet music was profitable for music publishers on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line. When soldiers left for the war, they took their love of music and songs that transcended the political and philosophical divide between them Music played an important role in the lives of the many during the Civil War era. Popular sacred
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The Confederate army would also have brass bands. Music played a predominant role on both sides of the conflict between Union and Confederate. During the Civil War music was so important, especially on the battlefields. There were different instruments including the bugles, drums, and fifes. Fifes were small flutes they could carry and were played to issue marching orders or sometimes simply to boost the morale of one’s fellow soldiers from the brutality of the Civil War. Music passed the time away, entertained, comforted, and brought back memories from home. It created and strengthened bonds between the soldiers. Many soldiers brought musical instruments from home to pass the time at camp. Banjos, fiddles, and guitars were particularly popular. A survey in October 1861 found that 75% of Union regimens had a band. Music was very important during this time. Robert E. Lee, a general, himself said, “I don’t think we could have an army without music.”
The Confederate army would also have brass bands. Music played a predominant role on both sides of the conflict between Union and Confederate. During the Civil War music was so important, especially on the battlefields. There were different instruments including the bugles, drums, and fifes. Fifes were small flutes they could carry and were played to issue marching orders or sometimes simply to boost the morale of one’s fellow soldiers from the brutality of the Civil War. Music passed the time away, entertained, comforted, and brought back memories from home. It created and strengthened bonds between the soldiers. Many soldiers brought musical instruments from home to pass the time at camp. Banjos, fiddles, and guitars were particularly popular. A survey in October 1861 found that 75% of Union regimens had a band. Music was very important during this time. Robert E. Lee, a general, himself said, “I don’t think we could have an army without music.”