History

The Easton Municipal Band has changed its name several times throughout its existence. We can trace our history through several bands. Even through name changes and a succession of conductors, the town band has remained a loyal group of Easton musicians during its many years of service to the City of Easton.

In H. W. Schwartz' book, "Bands of America" (1975) it reads: "Two of the best bands at this time were the American Band of Providence (RI) under D.W. Reeves, and the Easton (PA) Band under Thomas Coates."

We can trace our heritage in the following way:

The earliest band was conducted by Peter Pomp and was known as Pomp's Cornet Band. When the War of 1812 was declared, the bell at the courthouse was rung, and Pomp's Band played martial music as they paraded through the streets. When the Declaration of Independence was read in Centre Square, the band was there performing.

When General Lafayette made his return visit to Easton in 1824, Thomas Coates was a member of the band that accompanied him. Coates moved back to Easton and became leader of Pomp's Band, a well-known organization at the time. The name was changed to the Easton Band when Coates became director before 1850. During these years, both names were interchanged, but Coates was the leader of this band. Professor Coates directed the band until the outbreak of the Civil War, when he enlisted and went to the front.

Coates was a native of Easton. The exact year of his birth is uncertain, but is thought to be around 1803. When he was ten, he ran away to play with a circus. He became a member of the famous Dodsworth Band. His reputation was enhanced when he became leader at Barnum's Hippodrome Circus, and later the leader of Dodsworth's Second Band.

Before 1850, he took over the leadership of the Easton Band. The band was then nearly twenty years in existence. In 1864, the Easton Band, under Thomas Coates, played at the Peace Jubilee (Patrick Gilmore) in Boston for five days. In the nineteenth century Coates was a famous musician who was regarded by some people to be "The Father of Band Music in America."

The band has always served the City of Easton in patriotic and municipal functions. On November 20, 1855, the band led a long list of visiting military companies to the Easton Cemetery for the dedication of the George Taylor (signer of the Declaration of Independence) Monument.

In April 1861, the Band marched to the Lehigh Valley Railroad Depot with 180 men, who volunteered to enlist as they took the train for Harrisburg.

On August 10, 1861, the famous Coates Band of Easton, with Thomas Coates as the leader, was mustered into service as the band of the 47th Regiment, PA Volunteers. The band was discharged from service on September 1862 at Beaufort, SC.

Shortly after the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, Coates enlisted with the 47th PA Regiment of Volunteers and was leader of its band. Many members of the Easton Band enlisted with him. This organization became the Brigade Band stationed at Hilton Head, SC and Key West, FL, participating in the Union blockade of the Confederacy.

The Easton Band achieved national acclaim during this period. We still did our civic duty at home and were continually active. The band played for the opening of Island Park (formerly Chain Dam) in 1894, and gave weekly concerts there during the summer season. The John Philip Sousa Band also played there this opening season.

A two-hour, open-air concert was given on May 16, 1900 for the dedication of the monument in Centre Square. One hundred years later, the Easton Municipal Band again participated in the rededication ceremony of the monument.

In 1911, the residents of Easton erected a monument in the Easton Cemetery in honor of Bandmaster Coates.

As the Golden Age of Bands was coming to a close, there was a transition period in the Easton Band scene. There were still several bands in the city, but they were to change names and merge several times before they returned to the name they began with... the Easton Band.

In 1934, the Easton Band ceased and Easton had the American Legion Band, which later became the Moose Band. In 1996, the Easton Municipal Band was reorganized under its present director, Easton native, Olwen E. Bougher.

In August 1997, Mayor Thomas Goldsmith proclaimed the Easton Municipal Band as "the Official Band of the City of Easton."

The Easton Municipal Band has become a significant force in the local musical community. We participate each year in local concert series, Heritage Day, and represent the community in special events and celebrations. The membership includes musicians of all ages and experience. It is a representation of the total Easton area, and a showcase of talent for local residents.

The prominent band composer, Ken Dye, composed a piece, "Centre Square March," especially for the Easton Municipal Band, which the band performs frequently.

The tradition continues...