The Old Common Band. All brass

 

A few words are due to the memory of the above which enlivened most of our outdoor diversions down to 1900 or so.  I have heard that, when the band came into existence, probably in the early sixties , all it’s members belonged to one family (Elkins) their employment being that of farm hands and land workers.  The name ‘common’ referred to the locality beyond Broad Oak where most of the players lived.  This designation was somewhat unfortunate being employed, by local critics of musical art in a derogatory sense.  But considering that never, as far as I know, did the band receive any professional tuition or advice their self taught efforts must be acknowledged as most praiseworthy.  Their staying powers were wonderful.  On a Fete day or club-walking morning their vigorous strains might be heard from 10 O clock onward.  At 11 their duty and pride was to head the usual procession to the church.  At 12, with powers unabated they tramped a mile or two around the outskirts of the town blowing with scarcely a minutes intermission except when refreshment was bestowed by friendly patrons.  For the rest of the day they provided dance music until nightfall when, from Sunday intermittent lapses it could be gathered that even such titans were nearing the limits of their endurance.  After which they played themselves up common Lane and the day’s work was done.

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