Regimental brass bands of the Union and Confederate armies served many purposes throughout the war. One of their more important roles was of morale booster.  Brass bands would play various tunes and songs in camp and on the march to help brighten the soldiers’ day.   During longer encampments, bands would put on concerts that would showcase their music and talents. 

After Ft. Sumter in April 1861, everyone was eager to volunteer and join the fighting.  This included musicians who were in high demand.  Some people would form their own bands and enlist as a group while others signed on individually.  Prior to the Civil War, regulations allowed each regiment to enlist up to 16 musicians, and bands averaged about 14 musicians.

Regimental bands were made up of mostly brass and percussion instruments with an occasional woodwind.  The typical instruments used included three E♭ cornets, two B♭ cornets, three E♭ horns, two B♭ tenor horns, one baritone horn, two basses, snare, and bass drum.

There were several different types of band music which included marches, quicksteps, and other martial music.  There was also dance music such as polkas, waltzes and gallops.