The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-09-25

the general music interests OF the city.
Although the band has done remarkably
well under its present leadership. every
one knows that no ore in the
world except Mr.. Reeves can keep IL &C
the high standard it has 10 long main
tained. Mr.. Reeves determination to return
is the result Of systematic effort on the
part OF the citizens to induce him to
return.
Sometime ago the subject was broached
to Mr.. Church, the present leader
OF the band. and he gave it his
hearty approval. September 81
he telegraphed to this city
from Minneapolis that he would be glad
to sign petition asking Mr.. Reeves to
return aud on the same day he wired
q second time. stating tnat the
American baud also expressed ITS apo
val OF the plan. A formal petition was
then drawn up. signed by leading citi-
Ems OF Providence. requesting Mr..
Reeves to sew r as soon as possible his
connection with Gilmore's band aud as.
sumo once moro the charge
OF the American. Mr. Reeves
has concentsd aad on November viii be
once more at the head Of the band that
he has made famous the world over.
Mr.. Reeves Loves Providenoe.
Mr.. Reeves connection With GiImore's
band has been one round OF fattering
success, and ev.ry effort was made
to persuade him to remain In charge.
But Mr.. Reeves loves Providence; he does
not particularly like New York aud
the people of this city want him back too
badly to leave any stone unturned 20 Sc
cure his return.
Mr.. Reeves will remain with Gilmore's
band long enough to complete q months
engagement at the Pittsburg exposition.
October "a he will sever his connection
with that band and return to conduct the
American band.
Bowen r. Church, who has led the
band since Mr.. Reeve's Withdrawal, de-
serves unlimited credit for the work he
has done. He has kept it up to q stand
ard that probably no man except Mr..
Reeves himself could have main-
tained. But the American ba' d Is Mr..
Reeves own; 1t Is his product; into it he
has put 2s years Of his life aud no other
man living Is so competent
to lead 1t.
History OF the American Band.
The American band originated in 1926.
II was the growth Of n desire
for, some musical -represen ion
aud was known as the "Provi-
dence Brass Band" It's leader was
Joseph C. Greene. BY way of diversity
it was sometimes called the "Mar-
tial Team" 1t was formed aud
sustained by he joint efforts of w. w.
Brown, j, M. Earle and Elisha Dyer, jr.
There were two bugles, two from brones,
two bass, fife, clarionet anu bass drum. Is
headquarters was over Il. g. w. Earle's
ship chaudlery store on South Water
street. The baud was reorganized
In 1887, and became the Ameri-
can band with fourteen members. John
G. Greene was leader. Among its first
public efforts was series OF six concerts
given early In the year 1888
The Band Goes to War.
When President Lincoln called Tor. vol.
unteers, the American band was frs, TO
respond and marched away at the head
Of the First Rhode Island regiment At
the battle Of Bull Run the bass drum was
captured and when 1t was finally dis
covered, years afterward, In a room in
Richmond it was complete ruin. Mr..
Greene remained at the head of band
until 1865 when he resigned TO give place
to Mr.. Reeves.
Has Made the Hand Famous
Under Mr.. Reeves leadership the baui
has attained a national celebri y. II
has become universally known ms
Reeves American Dand." 1t has visited
all OF the principal cities of the country
and has everywhere been greeted with
the highest measure Of praise.