The Instruments
The cornets and saxhorns played by the
Wildcat Band today are the same as the instruments 
that were in service during battle and dress parades in 1861. All
of the horns date from the Civil War era, some as early as
1845. Refurbished with the skill of a true craftsman, these instruments
are once again playing the melodies heard more than a century ago.
Among the instruments making up the Wildcat
Regiment Band today are valved bugles, cornets, and an assortment
of alto, tenor, baritone and bass saxhorns and rope
tension drums. The various designs of
horns introduce the audience to the assortment of instruments common
in that period. One such design was referred to as the "over the shoulder"
horn. This particular pattern was very popular with military bands
and was used in parade format so troops following the band could clearly
hear the music.
The Music
Much of regimental band music that was
performed had its roots in the small town "cornet bands" of the 19th
century. 
It was natural for their music to accompany the bandsmen
as they filled the ranks of the regimental band. Quicksteps, ballads,
overtures and marches played by the Wildcat Regiment Band was
the same musical pieces that once touched the lives of soldiers and
civilians, providing comfort, encouragement and a spirit of patriotism.
Many of these original 19th century arrangements were taken from
band books found in the archives of the Smithsonian Institution and
Library of Congress, as well as from private collections. Among the
selections performed are "Lurline Quickstep", "Carnival Waltz", "Old K. Y, Ky", "Hunters Chorus from the Rose of Erin"
and "Puritani Quickstep".
The Dress
From brass buttons and simple hand stitching, to wooden pegged brogans, the Wildcat Regiment Band brought authenticity in dress and manner. The band's uniforms - sewn from natural wool fibers - were authentic in every detail, and patterned from actual specimens worn by Pennsylvania bandsmen in the Union army.
