Gettysburg National Military Park to host free Civil War concerts on June 20

(Gettysburg, Pennsylvania) - 6/15/2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE �

 

CONTACT:

Evangelina Rubalcava

Gettysburg National Military Park

(717) 334-1124, ext. 3251

 

 

On June 20, as part of the Gettysburg Festival, Gettysburg National Military Park will host the Wildcat Regiment Band and the 8th Regimental Band of the Georgia Volunteer Infantry for free public concerts at the park�s Museum and Visitor Center.

 

For the first time at Gettysburg, the 8th Regimental Band of the Georgia Volunteer Infantry will perform at 11 a.m. in front of the Museum and Visitor Center and from 6 p.m. until sundown at the Pennsylvania Memorial.

 

The 8th Regimental Band formed in 1985 in Rome, Georgia, and consists of 25 musicians. Members include players from the Rome Symphony Orchestra, students and staff from local high schools and colleges, and professional musicians. The director, John Carruth, also directs the Rome Symphony Orchestra. The band presents military music of the Civil War as it was played by musicians of both sides of the conflict. They also dress and act the part. Performances of the 8th Regimental Band have been part of Civil War battle re-enactments, parades, weddings and military balls.

 

The Wildcat Regiment Band will perform a grand concert at 3 p.m. in front of the Museum and Visitor Center. The Wildcat Regiment Band represents the regimental band of the 105th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. The 105^th Regiment was recruited in 1861 from the "Wildcat" congressional district made up in part by Indiana and Jefferson Counties. With Bandmaster Bruno J. Pino conducting, this modern re-creation of the Wildcat Regiment Band uses original instruments and reproduction hand-made uniforms. This is their 15th visit to perform at Gettysburg National Military Park.

 

Civil War bands started when each regiment of the armies tried to create its own musical organization. Most of America's town bands and other professional groups were mustered into service, as well as many groups of lesser abilities.

 

The public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating during these concerts. The park�s new Museum and Visitor Center is located at 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg.

 

For more information contact Park Ranger Evangelina Rubalcava, c/o Gettysburg National Military Park, 1195 Baltimore Pike, Suite 100, Gettysburg PA 17325, by phone at (717) 334-1124 x3251, or on the web at www.gettysburgfestival.org.

 

Gettysburg National Military Park is a unit of the National Park Service that preserves and protects the resources associated with the Battle of Gettysburg and the Soldiers' National Cemetery, and provides an understanding of the events that occurred there within the context of American history.