Articles on the organization of the Ninth Regiment Band

“The Ninth regiment is organizing a Guides band, after the plan of the famous Guides band of Brussels, to consist of 4 flutes, 2 oboes, 4 bassoons, 4 Eb clarionets, 6 cornets, 4 trumpets, 4 French horns, 4 baritone horns, 4 sax horns, 6 trombones, 8 tubos, [sic] 3 side drums, 1 Indian bell, 1 pair of cymbals, 1 triangle, 1 bass drum and 25 snare drums. The musical director is to be Carlo Patti, the conductor of the Grand Opera House; the first leader, Mr. Downing, and the second, Mr. Alexander. The band will number one hundred, and their uniform will consist of a scarlet broadcloth coat with blue facings and lappels, [sic] sky blue pantaloons with broad gold lace stripe, and regulation shako with white pompom. For the fatigue dress they will have a shell jacket of the same material. The uniforms will cost over $6,000.”

First rehearsal of the band, Dec. 23, Grand Opera House