The American Band

The American Band is a community band based in Providence, Rhode Island. It was founded as a military band in 1837 by Joseph C. Greene. During its early years, the members were THE highest paid in the country - even higher than the New York Philharmonic in its first season. Since then, it has performed continuously, and is one of the oldest bands in the country still here. The band was at the First Battle of Bull Run. From 1866 to his death in 1900, it was directed by noted march composer David Wallis Reeves. During his tenure, Reeves took the group to a near-professional calibre. Many of the members are music educators, and others are involved in other careers.