Name/Title
Histories, Development of MusicDescription
Development of Music: (Unknown author...written about 1939).
Item: Oct. 12, 1859. "A brass band was organized in the village and are now being put through a course of instruction by D. H. Metcalf, a proficient musician."
Waupun citizens were members of the Northern Wisconsin Musical Ass'n. E. Hillyer was elected president at their 8th meeting held in Waupun in Oct., 1859.
First public concert noted in paper--Oct. 18, 1859. "Waupun has been fortunate in having a coterie of musicians of high order among our citizens who gave frequent concerts, oratories, light operas, and the like. Churches vied with each other in the excellence of their choirs."
From 1857 on-we find the cards of musical instructors in the paper.
As early as 1858 -- Military bands were listed. Hazens, Hewitts, Cheeney and Tyler's.
Later Rhode's band.
In the 1870s -- the Silver Cornet Band. Later--The Prison City Band and the Crescent Band. The Prison City Band had green uniforms.
On March 23, 1859--A Farmers' Concert was written up. Held in M. E. Church. Directors -- J. B. Carpenter and W. D. Hoard. They presented the Operatic Oratorio--"The Hay-Makers."
At the Musical Convention held in Oct., 1859, which seemed to be for the purpose of instruction rather than exhibition, we note that JUBILEE and FESTIVAL GLEE BOOKS were used.
July 4, 1859: We note the appearance of the WAUPUN GLEE CLUB. (Handwritten: Philharmonic Miller Music).
SCHOOL MUSIC -- First installed in the schools in 1904 when Miss Regan was employed in the middle of the year and taught four and a a half months.
Music continued to be taught for the greater part of the time, at least.
1930--Academic credit given for musical study.
1930-1939--Development of excellent work in HIGH SCHOOL bands, orchestras, soloists and glee clubs.
FORBES HOMISTON--b. 1821. In Waupun before the Civil War. Organized the WAUPUN BOYS DRUM CORPS. Was a fife major in the 10th Wis. Volunteer Inf.