15 - Interview with Dr. William Hall: The 1st Nebraska Volunteers Brass Band

The Early American Brass Band Podcast

Episode 15 is our conversation with Dr. William Hall, Leader of The 1st Nebraska Volunteers Brass Band. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, talking about Bill's PhD research, how the band formed, Nebraska's role in the Civil War, and how the band operates today. You can find more information about Bill and the band at https://1stnebraskaband.wordpress.com/.

Show notes for this episode are available at https://eabbpodcast.com/show-notes-2/. Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from the Library of Congress, The 8th GM Regiment Band, and The 1st Nebraska Volunteers Brass Band. You can get in touch with us on social media, and by emailing us at [e-mail].

If you like the show, the best way you can support us is by becoming a patron at https://www.patreon.com/eabbpodcast. We appreciate any support you feel compelled to give!

Episode Structure:

• 3:30 - Bill's musical and educational background

• 9:10 - Dr. Hall's PhD research

• 16:15 - How Bill got involved with 19th century American brass bands

• 19:12 - History of the first Bill played with in Fremont Nebraska

• 20:52 - Instrumentation challenges the Freemont band faced

• 21:37 - What led to Bill forming the 1st Nebraska Volunteers Band

• 24:28 - Where the 1st Nebraska Volunteers Brass Band got their instruments and uniforms

• 25:21 - Nebraska's role during the Civil War

• 27:46 - The 1st Nebraska Band's life during the Civil War

• 31:03 - What The 1st Nebraska Volunteer Brass Band looked like during the Civil War

• 33:36 - Uniforms and instruments of today's 1st Nebraska Volunteer Brass Band

• 40:36 - Music on the 1st Nebraska Volunteers Brass Band recording project

• 45:04 - The obligatory period vs. modern mouthpiece question

• 48:41 - Relationship with the Liberty Band of Iowa

• 50:33 - Moravian Music Foundation resources

• 52:17 - Upright bell vs. OTS instrument practicality

• 54:29 - Notable performances of the 1st Nebraska Volunteer Brass Band

• 1:01:01 - Audience reaction to Civil War music and portrayal

• 1:05:30 - Where you can find more information on Bill and the 1st Nebraska Volunteer Brass Band

• 1:07:45 - Wrap up - come hang out with us on social media! Especially Twitter!

• 1:09:05 - Featured Album: 1st Nebraska Volunteers Brass Band Soundcloud page