2nd Quarter 2009
Vol. 3, No. 2
Richmond, Ky.
Henry's music didn't die; lives on
as successful Saxton's Cornet Band

Shortly before the Civil War, Lexington’s Henry Saxton organized a brass band that was full of energy and musically and visually entertaining.

Henry’s brass ensemble performed in Kentucky for more than 60 years, through the Civil War and into the early 20th century. It played concerts and dances and in parades and at funerals. Henry hoped the music would never die.

And, thanks to some modern-day musicians, it hasn’t.

Saxton’s Cornet Band was re-organized in 1989 to again create the sounds, appearances and conduct of brass bands during the antebellum and Civil War eras.

Historically accurate and professional in performance and operation, the band now performs as a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation. But its performance venues have changed dramatically.

"We travel about 5,000 miles per year," band spokesman David Goins explained. "We have performed in concert halls from Colorado to Florida to New York and did a two-week tour in 2003 in Taiwan and are planning for a tour in Germany in 2011."

The band performed at the 2000 inauguration of President George W. Bush and has appeared in two motion pictures, "Gettysburg" and "The Day Lincoln Died." A performance with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra occurred in May and the band is negotiating to commission a piece for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in 2011.

Based in Frankfort, the band makes some 10-20 appearances a year ranging from Civil War living history events to educational venues and music festivals. Bookings are made by Brumfield and Associates with fees based on distance traveled, size of band and length of performance. In-state fees usually range from $2,500-$3,500 with out-of-state performances ranging from $5,000-$7,000.

"A full band consists of 14 musicians and a drum major, but we often perform with an eight-member group for smaller events," Goins said. "Most members are from Kentucky and all are brass and percussion performers and play trumpet, trombone and tuba when not performing with Saxton’s. When playing with Saxton’s, members perform on cornets, alto and tenor horns, baritone, tuba and percussion."

Goins notes that every piece of music performed is original to the period and is obtained through such sources as the Library of Congress and other libraries that have period band books and arrangements available.

Saxton’s has made four albums. It’s most recent, "Lincoln and Liberty, Too!," was introduced this year as a musical tribute to Abraham Lincoln, featuring music that he heard during his presidency.

For booking information, call 859-893-0621 or e-mail april@brumfieldassociates.com.
Heavy on Davids
Ask for David when inquiring about Saxton’s Cornet
Band and you’ll find at least three. Band members
are (front frow, from left) Jonathan White and
Michael West; (second row, from left) Rusty Sexton,
Donnie Estill, David Goins, David Henderson, Roger
Levering, Jeffrey Keller and David Ashley.
Articles and photos appearing on www.thekentuckycivilwarbugle.com may be used with permission. For permission, contact Bugle editor Ed Ford at fordpr@mis.net.

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