Battle of Lexington (2 Views)
British View
To the best of my recollection about 4 o’clock in the morning being the 19th of April, the five front companies were ordered to load, which they did.” It was at Lexington when we saw one of their companies drawn up in regular order. Major Pitcairn of the Marines second in command called them to disperse, but their … Continue reading →
Early U.S. Bands – Part 3
In addition to field music, the United States military also had bands that were used for ceremonial purposes and to raise soldier morale. Like field music, this tradition has its roots in European military practices. The first outdoor, or military, bands were made up of woodwind instruments. These bands, known as Harmoniemusik, primarily used oboes, horns, and bassoons. These instruments … Continue reading →
Early U.S. Bands – Part 2
The Colonies Go To War
After the Boston Tea Party (1773), the British antagonized the colonists by closing the port of Boston. To improve their defenses and prepare for war, the colonies formed Committees of Safety and forced Tory militia officers to resign. Officers sympathetic to independence replaced the Tory Officers. The colonists also accumulated stores of military supplies and … Continue reading →