Music in Maine

The earliest marching bands in the United States were part of military units, used during drills and troop movements. The US Government officially authorized military bands in 1821, but they have existed since the colonial era.

After the Civil War, Congress stopped funding military bands that provided music to troops and communities. Veteran musicians created civilian bands, often replicating their former military service in music choices and uniform styles.

Fifes are a small woodwind instrument commonly used in military bands because the high pitch sound carries over long distances, even during battles.

Most military companies had at least two fifes and two drum musicians.Drummers in both the Union and Confederate armies learned different drum calls to alert soldiers. Directed by commanders, the drummer songs controlled infantry soldier’s daily activities, from morning Reveille to the Tattoo beat for bedtime.

On the battlefield, drummers provided a visual location for the unit, helping to keep soldiers close together. Drumming at war was dangerous, because the enemy knew that without the drum, commanders lost contact with their troops.

In addition to official uses, military bands also played for communities, at assemblies, and for commemorations.

Chandler's Band

Chandler’s Band is the second oldest continuously operating professional band in the United States. Jacob S. Paine (1810-1856) founded the first organized band in Portland around 1833, named “The Portland Band.” By 1843, members recruited New Hampshire musician Daniel Chandler (1818-1902) to direct the band.

The Portland Band played most of Maine’s large celebrations until the Civil War, when members served as the First Regimental Band. Daniel Chandler and other musicians s split from the Portland Band in 1873, when they published a notice in the Portland Evening Advertiser of their intent to form Chandler’s Band.

Chandler’s Band played throughout New England and Canada under Daniel Chandler’s leadership. His son, William Chandler (1857-1922) took over the band, with Daniel continuing to play trumpet.

Associated with Bowdoin College in Brunswick since 1875, Chandler’s Band plays annually at graduation ceremonies.

Town bands carried on the marching tradition of military bands after the Civil War, with uniforms often resembling the original military style.

Gordon E. Bennett played tuba and sousaphone in Chandler's Band from the late 1940s until his death in 1996. He wore this uniform during the 1950s. Today, Chandler’s Band members perform in black shirts and black pants.