Thank you for joining us for our annual Remembrance Day activities!
SCHEDULE (Updated 11/12/11)
Here is the schedule for the day. Please be prompt for all activities.
7:00 AM
Meet in the parking lot next to the OLD Cyclorama Center, located across from the entrance to Gettysburg National Cemetery on Taneytown Rd. (Rte. 134). There are
entrances to the parking lot from both Taneytown Rd. and Steinwehr Ave. One of the entrances is labeled "Hancock Ave" on the Google Map I have found.
Here is a link to that map. http://maps.google.com/maps?q=gettysburg&ie=UTF8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ll=39.81775,-77.233039&spn=0.005851,0.009656
&t=h&z=17
DO NOT go to the NEW Visitor Center! Look for the OLD Cyclorama Center (big round cement building) and meet in the lot next to it. Please note that the OLD Visitor
Center building is no longer there, and its lot is now closed. The lot you are looking for is next to the OLD Cyclorama Center in the same vicinity, just across from the
entrance to the Cemetery on Taneytown Rd.
We will hand out music and rehearse the hymns for the morning.
7:45-9:00 AM
Wreath-laying ceremonies in the National Cemetery with Vincent’s Brigade. We will play The Star-Spangled Banner at the entrance to the cemetery. We will march in
playing Dead March in Saul, then play hymns at each of the short ceremonies in the cemetery. After the last wreath we will play The Vacant Chair and a bugler will
sound Taps. We will march out of the cemetery playing Battle Hymn of the Republic.
9:00 AM-12:00 Noon (approximate times)
Breakfast and free time to wander Gettysburg. There are many fine sutler shops in Gettysburg and if you are looking to improve your uniform or get new items, this is a
great opportunity to do so.
12:00 Noon
Very Important rehearsal and inspection at the Middle School where the parade starts (Baltimore St. at Lefever St.). We will review the music we’ll play on the march
and the musical honors for the reviewing stand. Please be prompt!
You may park near the school (space may be limited, you will have to walk back after the parade to get your vehicle) OR at the old Cyclorama parking lot as if for the
morning ceremony (allow time to walk to the school after you park, and don't bring anything you can't carry on the parade).
1:00 PM
The parade steps off at 1 PM.
2:15 PM
After the parade we may be involved with a short ceremony with the United States Regulars. This will take place a very short distance from where the parade will end.
We will also pose for a group photo.
4:00 PM
Once again, as in the past, some of us are going to make our way up to Little Round Top around 4:00 pm for a brief memorial to the boys of ’63.
MUSIC (posted 11/12/2011)
All music you need for the day will be provided to you in march format when you arrive. Most music is posted on this site so you can practice (and memorize) it before
you arrive.
Music for the morning ceremony (subject to change):
Dead March in Saul
The Vacant Chair
A Mighty Fortress/Fairest Lord Jesus
Old 100th/Abide With Me
Amazing Grace (no link provided)
The selections for the march are:
Battle Hymn of the Republic
Red, White, and Blue
Battle Cry of Freedom
Musical Honors - 3 Ruffles and Flourishes/Hail to the Chief (please note we will begin this piece from a stationary position and we then step off marching again DURING
the playing of Hail to The Chief. We will rehearse this at 12:00 Noon, prior to the parade.)
NOTE: Once again we request that you please make every attempt to memorize the music for the parade! If you can't learn it 100% you can certainly march with your
music, but the better you know it, the better you will play. If you can manage to commit the march selections to memory, it makes a big difference visually and you can
keep an eye on where you are marching.
Sound files of the pieces we play on the march are also posted below so you can practice along with them to help you memorize. Hymns for the morning ceremony do
not need to be memorized, but please watch your key signatures!
Battle Hymn of the Republic sound file
Red, White and Blue sound file
Battle Cry of Freedom sound file
Hail to the Chief sound file
UNIFORM OF THE DAY
Dark blue wool Infantry frock (nine button dress coat, single-breasted)
Sky blue wool trousers
Red wool sash
Black leather belt with brass US oval buckle
Black leather brogans (shoes)
Dark blue kepi (hat – not a forage cap or “bummer”)
White gloves for parade
Civilian or issue shirt
Cravat (necktie) is optional
Vest is optional
Greatcoat (overcoat) is optional but highly recommended in cold weather
Wool scarves and gloves are optional but highly recommended
Canteen and haversack highly recommended
PLEASE...
NO modern eyewear
NO sunglasses
NO musicians frocks (i.e. with birdcage/lace on front)
NO rank on uniform or stripes on trousers
NO medals or ribbons on uniform
NO hat brass other than issued eagle pin (we will provide loaner pins)
NO lyres on belt buckle or cap
NO shoulder scales
Please make sure your uniform is clean and that brogans are blackened (polished) and all brass buttons and belts are shined to a high gloss. It’s a time to show off!
WEATHER
As of the current date, the long-range forecast for Gettysburg weather on November 19 is for a high of 54 and cloudy skies, with the overnight low the night before in
the upper 30s. We will keep watching the forecast as the date gets closer and will post any weather warnings or updates here. If you need to you may add layers under
your uniform, and wool scarves and gloves (period-appropriate appearance) are permitted for the morning ceremony if desired. Greatcoats will be acceptable if the
weather is very cold, so please watch for updates.
INSTRUMENTS
Please have a period instrument (>1870). Rotary valve horns preferred. Basses, Baritones, Tenors, and Altos may use over-the-shoulder (OTS) horns if you have them,
otherwise upright bell is fine. Bell front for Eb and Bb Cornets, please. If you do not own a period instrument, you must let us know in advance!
QUESTIONS?
Please send any questions to contact@nationalcivilwarbrassmusic.org
Again, thanks for joining us. This is always a highlight for The Federal City Brass Band!
| The Federal City Brass Band and Friends Annual Wreath Ceremonies and Parade Remembrance Day 2011 Date: Saturday, November 19, 2011 Place: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania |
