The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-12-12
A NATIONAL BAND.
One of the Latest Idoas in Connection
Miih The " nrll,s Eair-

One of the Latest Idoss in. Connection
with the Worlds Fair.
Ono of the latest ideas in connection with
the Worlds Fair is the organization of
national band to be composed of musicians
from every part Of the Union. This de-
velGped at a meeting held recently in Sioux
City, Iowa, when the plan was outlined by
a. J. Millard of that place. He said: 1t
is within the province of every American
citizen to suggest features for the Worlds
Fair. Out of tie vast number already made
many are faucitul, some are unique and few
are practical The brain of the mechanic,
the eye and taste of the painter. the cunning
hand of the Inner and architect have been
busy for months past and will evolve new
ideas for months to come. Yet there Is and
will be room for suggestion.
My suggestion refers to a musical feature
which l think worth Celebrating. We of
the COru Palace city have in years past had
the pleasure of hearing the best bands in
the country, such grand ag4regationS as the
Seventy-frst Regiment band of New York,
the Elgin band, Mexican band, Pullman
band and many Others less prominent. All
these bands are of a local character-that is
to say, they are fostered ana supported by
local enter rise. While the roster of a dozen
of the best includes the names of some Of
the best performers in this country there
has never been attempted an aggregation Of
the best talent in the United States.
! suggest that this be done for the Worlds
Fair, aud that a national band be organized
which shall contain the best talent eXtant
In the personnel of such band each State
and Territory should furnish member.
am not prepared TO 60 into details as to the
selection of such meIl bers, but will briefly
outline my idea.
Let an inspector be appointed in each
State, whose duty it shall be 10 visit and in
spect every band in his State before April l,
1892, and after such inspection 10 report the
names Of such musicians as in his opinion
should take part in competitive examina-
ton to be held at the capital OF each State
not later than June ., 1892.
From this gathering let there be chosen
the two best performers on each instrument
which Is TO be represented in the band :;
then have a competitive examination of
these cadets at Chicago about August l,
1892 by board comprising at least seven
of the most practical band trainers in the
country.
Out of such material could be organized
the best band in the world 1t would be
truly cosmo pnlitan, and at the same time a
distinctively American group of artists.
Nearly every nation under the sun would
be represented, but all would be citizens of
the United States.
1t occurs to me in this connection that such
a musical organization should be made per-
manent, under sucn regulations as shall ap-
pear wise ana practical, with view always
foremost to make 1t par excellence, the best
band in the world
After some discussion it was decided to
organize the United States National Band
Club, and permanent officers were elected
as follows: President, a. j. Willard :;
Treasurer, w. w. Harris; Secretary, j. A.
Smith. Vice-PreSidents were added to
these, one for each State and Territory.