Item Detail
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19444
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0
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6
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English
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The Lehi Brass Band
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Utah Historical Quarterly
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2006
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74
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no.1
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47-65
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Small town brass bands were common in most Utah towns during the territorial period. Lindstrom focuses on the Lehi Brass Band, which existed from 1871 to 1890. She highlights the events and activities the Lehi Brass Band participated in, and gives readers a look at other historical, small town bands. There were three major influences which caused the formation of a number of bands in Utah: the LDS Church, the military, and the national brass band movement, which began in the 1830's. Five important roles of a town band were 1) to demonstrate a civilized culture, 2) share talent and bless the community, 3) be a source of instrumental music, 4) play for dances, and 5) raise money for worthy causes through benefit concerts. The Lehi Brass Band provided the music for holidays, celebrations, missionaries, LDS Church leaders, political rallies, and contests. George William Thurman was the leader of the Lehi Brass Bad when it was formed in 1871. He was murdered, and was replaced by Alfred M. Fox. Fox served as leader of the band until its end. In 1887 the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association formed a band. The Lehi Brass Band was dissolved in 1890 because its members were simply getting too old. Although the Lehi Brass Band is not widely remembered today, it was a significant part of Utah County society during the late 1800's. It provided a wide variety of music to many different audiences, gave the town a sense of pride, and brought the community closer together.