Page 17 - Civil War Curriculum Book

THE BATTLE OF THE BANDS CIVIL WAR STYLE

During the winter of 1862-1863, Union and Confederate
armies were camped near each other at Fredericksburg,
Virginia, separated only by the expanse of the
Rappahannock River. One cold afternoon, a band in the
Union camp struck up some patriotic tunes to cheer the
men. They were answered from across the river by a
Confederate band. The Union band played another tune
followed by the Confederates who also did their best to
play the same song. Back and forth the musical duel went
well into the evening hours. Soldiers in both armies listened
to the musical battle and would cheer for their own bands.
The duel finally ended when both bands
struck up the tune of "Home, Sweet Home". It was then that the men of both sides who
were so far from their homes, cheered as one.

Do you know of any familiar songs today that were sung during the Civil War? How
about Goober Peas and The Yellow Rose of Texas? When Johnny Comes Marching
Home was another popular song that is closely associated with the Civil War. These
were among the many favorite songs sung by soldiers that are still popular.

Keywords:

regimental band Battle
Cry of Freedom
musicians bugler fifer
brigade band