THE BANDS & MUSICIANS OF THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR

Dr. Benny Ferguson

Thursday, August 12 (1 session)

10 am – 12 noon

Clegg 7

Cost: $7

During the second half of the 19^th Century, many towns and cities in the U. S. were proud of at least two organizations - the local militia and the brass band.  The band not only played concerts for ceremonies and parades, but also served as the regimental band for reviews of the local militia unit.  North or South, there were many town bands that were mustered into service with the local militia.  Many northern bands had matching sets of over-the-shoulder brass instruments, and there were hundreds of military bands on both sides, each with a cast of characters.  During our ICL session, you will hear their stories.

Dr. Benny Ferguson is Dean of the Young Harris College Division of Fine Arts and Professor of Music.  After retiring as Director of Visual and Performing Arts for the Savannah-Chatham County Schools, he came to YHC in 2008 as the first full-time professor of instrumental music.  Ferguson's career has been divided between higher education and secondary education.  He was a teacher and administrator in public schools and has served at the college level as a professor, department chair and dean.  Dr. Ferguson earned the BA Degree in Music Education from Newberry College, the M.M. Degree in Trumpet Performance from the University of South Carolina, Educational Leadership and Supervision Certification from Georgia Southern University, and the Ph. D. Degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas.

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