Item Detail
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27690
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0
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0
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English
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Mormon Brass Bands and the Westward migration, 1830-1920, including an Edition and Transcription of "The Capstone March" by Charles John Thomas
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Greeley, Colorado
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University of Northern Colorado
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Doctor of Arts
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The purpose of this study is to show how the rise, prominence, and decline of bands in pioneer Mormon communities fit into the context of religious and popular culture in nineteenth century America. Comparisons to the American brass band movement show that American culture influenced the Mormon bands, yet in some ways they remained unique. Nineteenth-century America was fascinated with the music of brass bands. Their presence in American society strengthened the young nation by creating a community bond through their distinctive musical medium. It was during the early part of the century that the religious movement known as Mormonism came into existence. Mormons—united by their common beliefs—gathered in communities located in the central states and eventually the Rocky Mountains. During this period of history – known in Mormon circles as the "pioneer era" – brass bands became an important part of their religion and community-building efforts. Examinations of performances show that these bands were highly influential and important to the expansion of Mormon culture in the Intermountain West, especially through colonization led by Brigham Young.