Salem Band History

The Salem Band dates its beginnings back to the founding of Salem in 1766, but its lineage extends back to earlier times. The trombone choir, the forerunner of the church bands, had been an important instrumental organization in the Moravian Church since at least 1732, adding its sober voice to festival and solemn occasions. Salem received its first set of trombones in 1772. At first devoted entirely to church service, by the end of the 18th century the repertory of the trombone choir also included some minuets, marches, waltzes and other “worldly” music with which they entertained distinguished visitors, such as George Washington in 1791.

The first organized town band in Salem dates from the 1830's under the leadership of J.H. Leinbach. This band of some 15 players made a memorable impression in Charlotte, N.C., on May 20, 1835, when it played for the commemoration of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence on that day. Later in the 1850's, under the leadership of E. W. Leinbach, the Salem Band was expanded in its size and repertory.

During the Civil War, Salem supplied two bands to the Southern forces — the 21^st North Carolina Regiment Band under the leadership of F.W. Carmichael, and the 26^th North Carolina Regiment Band under S.T. Mickey's direction. The extensive musical repertory of the latter is still extant in six sets of band books preserved in the Moravian Music Foundation archive.

After peace was restored in 1865, the bands returned to Salem and in 1872, the Salem Cornet Band was formed under the leadership of D.T. Crouse. Later, around 1898, this group and one that had been formed in the neighboring town of Winston merged into the Twin City Concert Band, which played at various functions. The Easter Sunrise Service, however, always attracted the greatest participation of members. From 43 players in 1898 this band has grown over the years to the hundreds which participated in the service in 1978.

The Salem Band of today exists as both a concert and a service organization. Made up of the best players from the various Winston-Salem area Moravian Church bands, the Salem Band regularly presents concerts on the Square in Old Salem during the summer months. It also plays for the Easter Sunrise Service in Old Salem, as well as for church and civic ceremonial occasions. Its service is valued by the community, and playing with the band is considered a privilege by band members.

The repertory of the Salem Band consists of sacred and secular music — Moravian Church chorales and anthems, as well as marches, overtures, medleys, and show tunes. It is the oldest continuing mixed wind ensemble in this country.

Most of the above was taken verbatim from the 13^th Moravian Music Festival (1978) program notes written by Karl Kroeger, Ph.D.

May, 1993