Music for the Colonial Band

An almost forgotten American tradition that emerged in the latter half of the 18th century, the Colonial Band is here revived by bandmaster David McKay and the ensemble. Recorded 1976, the album is divided into sections (New England Band Music, Patriotic, Vocal, and Larger Forms) which McKay thinks most accurately represents what would have been a Colonial Band's repertoire. The liner notes include detailed information of the history of Colonial Bands in general (including a written account by a young boy detailing his excitement at seeing a Colonial Band). While one might expect a brass band style, the Colonial Band instead performs classical music.