Dan Woolpert, Bandmaster Emeritus and Curator of the Instrument Collection has been a part of the 1st Brigade Band since 1976. He has prepared more than 300 historic musical selections for performance by the Band. As Curator, he is responsible for an Instrument Collection of more than 200 instruments dating from the 1770's through 1880, the largest playing Collection in the World. In 1996 he was awarded a Local History Award of Merit by the Wisconsin Historical Society for his work in preserving and bringing 19th Century Band music to life.
Evelyn Woolpert has has served as the stage voice and dance mistress for the Band since 1982. She has served as Costume Curator for the 1st Brigade Band and Treasurer for Heritage Military Music Foundation (HMMF). Her first-person portrayal of Cordelia Harvey, Wisconsin's War Angel, is a staple of 1st Brigade performances and presentations to school groups, service clubs and historical societies.
The presentations described below have been developed over the past several years to meet the varying needs of elementary, middle, high school and university classes, music educators, historical and musical societies and service clubs.
NINETEENTH CENTURY BAND INSTRUMENTS - Technical innovations between 1800 and 1840 made it possible for brass instruments to play a full chromatic scale. These instruments became the foundation of the band movement that swept through the United States (and Europe) during the middle and the later part of the 19th Century. The presentation is based on HMMF's collection of antique band instruments, supplemented with pictures of instruments from other collections and pictures of bands and players from the period. A display of representative HMMF instruments and recorded 1st Brigade Band music is included. Presentations can vary from 45 to 90 minutes and are suitable for adults and students 5th grade and older.
THE LIFE OF THE Eb BRASS BAND (1840-1880) - The Eb Brass Band was the utility musical organization during the middle of the 19th century. The presentation, using pictures and recorded music, explores, briefly, the development of brass instruments and then traces the evolution of the Eb brass band from town band, to militia band, to Civil War Band and then back to town band. The presentation includes a limited display of antique instruments from the HMMF collection. Presentations can be adapted for various age and interest groups, 5th grade and older. Presentations, including question/answer periods, can vary from 45 to 90 minutes.
THE MUSICAL REPERTOIRE OF THE Eb BRASS BAND - This presentation focuses on the repertoire of military and town bands prior to the development of the Bb (turn-of-the-century) band and the modern school and community band. The structure and roles of the various instruments in the Eb brass band are illustrated with pictures and recorded examples. Composers and arrangers of band music are discussed. Presentations are suitable for musically literate high school and adult audiences and can vary from 60 to 90 minutes. A display of antique instruments is optional.
WISCONSIN'S WAR ANGEL - Evelyn's first-person portrayal of Cordelia Harvey utilizes material excerpted from Cordelia Harvey's letters. Cordelia was Wisconsin's Sanitary Agent in St. Louis and visited camps and hospitals throughout the South. She successfully argued with President Lincoln that the Union should, contrary to government policy, build hospitals in Wisconsin. It was her care and compassion that prompted Wisconsin soldiers to give her the title of "Wisconsin's War Angel". The presentation can productively be followed by discussions of women's roles, army nurses and/or health and sanitation conditions during the War. The presentation requires about 15 minutes and may be combined with other presentations.
THE VACANT CHAIR - The battlefield death of Willie Grout inspired Henry Washburn, a family friend, to write the poem, "The Vacant Chair" and George Root to set it to music. This presentation combines words and music in the "voice over" style of the 1st Brigade Band with Dan playing the music on an antique over-the-shoulder baritone and Evelyn reciting the poem dressed in mourning clothing. The presentation takes about 10 minutes and may be combined with other presentations.
THE 1ST BRIGADE BAND, WATERTOWN, WI - The reconstituted 1st Brigade Band is in its 46th year. It was the first of the "reenactment bands" to collect and refurbish antique instruments and to identify and prepare the music of Union and Confederate regimental and brigade bands for performance. The Band performs extensively throughout the nation making history come alive for its audiences. Its recorded music is widely used in audio and visual productions focused on the nineteenth century, especially the Civil War era. The presentation features pictures of the Band's volunteer members engaged in the Band's varied activities. The presentation may vary from 10 - 30 minutes and may be combined with other presentations.
PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS - Room suitable for showing slides and appropriate screen. Five or more tables for instrument / literature / recordings display. Assistance with loading / unloading instruments. Carts that can be used to transport instrument cases and materials are helpful.
FEES - We ask for no fees for ourselves. Travel expenses may be requested for presentations requiring long distance travel or overnight accommodations. Contributions to Heritage Military Music Foundation (HMMF) to assist in the maintenance of the Instrument Collection are required and are negotiable.
Updated January, 2010