Historic Civil War Band Draws Crowd at Brighton Library

Brighton residents Guy and Carol Smith have been members of the 5th Michigan Regiment Band, known during the Civil War as the 5th Michigan Infantry Band, since 1979 when Guy was asked to become the band's conductor.

The band was re-created in 1974 as part of the State of Michigan Bicentennial project and now performs at re-enactments, historical events, parades and school programs. The band is authentic in number of musicians, instrumentation and performs in period costumes.

On Monday night, the couple had more than 100 audience members laughing at their light teasing of each other.

Carol Smith, who is also the 5th Michigan Regiment Band's president, introduced her husband as the conductor and explained how his two instruments were both antiques from the Civil War.

Smith retaliated later by saying his wife couldn't play a triangle in tune, much to the audience's delight.

The band played a handful of classic, but recognizable songs such as a 1860's version of "A Star Spangled Banner," "Taps" and "When Johnny Comes Marching Home," best known as the popular children's song, "The Ants Go Marching."

Smith found these original Civil War era songs by researching in the National Archives and historical museums. He transcribed and then re-orchestrated each piece.

According to Carol Smith, more than 3,000 songs were written during the four-year Civil War period - more than any other time period to date. Most of the songs were about mothers.

"When you think about it, many of those boys had never been away from home," she said about the songs.

Some of the other band members who performed Monday night are Jeff Ash of Ann Arbor, Jerry and Carol Bauer of Novi, Buzz Brown of Keego Harbor, Brian Golden of Farmington, Bey Hurt of Tecumseh, Ronnie Kadykowski of Brighton, Gene Kramer of Northville, John and Linda Kurtti of Novi, Jennie Ross of Brighton, Ed and Joyce Vitez of Brighton and Jean Wank of Diamondale.

Brighton resident Robert Wickham and his wife Ilene attended the performance to hear their friend, Kramer, play. This was thier first time at a 5th Michigan Regiment Band performance.

"It was spectacular," Wickham said. "We recognized many of the songs."

For more information on the 5th Michigan Regiment Band, visit www.mi5th.org