Authentic Civil War Replica Band Coming to White Lake on Monday

The Civil War is not coming to Michigan, but one of its bands—the only one of its kind in the state—is coming to White Lake’s on Monday. 

Once known as the 5th Michigan Infantry Band, its members will be providing a free concert for White Lake-area residents for an hour starting at 7 p.m. at the park adjacent to the . This re-creation of an actual Civil War band that was formed out of Detroit’s Historic Fort Wayne will include musicians playing notable songs from the 1800s, such as Battle Hymn of the Republic and Dixie, said band member Carol Smith. 

In keeping with the authenticity of the Civil War "field" regimental bands, the band will also include a color guard and support personnel, including women who will wear dresses of the time, all seven layers of clothing no matter what the temperatures turn out to be. 

The 5th Michigan Regiment Band uses an array of sax horns, antique horns and other pre- and Civil War-age instruments, Smith said. The music is learned by members through the orchestration of modern-day sheet music. 

“We perform in a circle because that is how the instruments were designed to be heard,” Smith said.

The band's repertoire of the 1860s includes marches, polkas, schottisches, waltzes and songs arranged for the group by Lt. Col. Guy Smith, conductor. The present band plays on antique and replica Civil War instruments at re-enactments, concerts, parades, festivals and other special events. 

“The soldiers of the 5^th themselves kept the band going through the end of the war based on donations even though they were decommissioned,” Smith said. 

The 5th Michigan Regiment Band was once known as the 5th Michigan Infantry Band. For 108 years, from 1865-1973, it was just a memory. Then it was recreated in the form of the 5th Michigan Regiment Band. 

The band is a nonprofit organization. All members are volunteers and come from all around the state of Michigan and even parts of Ohio. They perform nearly 20 concerts each year from April through October, Smith said. The band practices together several times in the late winter and early spring before the start of its season. 

Along with musical performances, the 5th Michigan Regiment Band will offer some historical narrative as part of its performance. It has released five CDs, all of which are available by visiting the band’s website at http://www.mi5th.org.

Stipends charged for performances are based on the distance and length of time involved. All income is used for operating expenses and instruments. The band is managed by a board of directors. 

“We do this because we love history and we love music,” Smith said. “We have a passion, and it’s great to perform for people who appreciate it.” 

Those attending the concert are encouraged to bring their own chairs and/or blankets to Judy Hawley Park. Contact the White Lake Library at 248-698-4942 for further information.

Correction: The concert will start at 7 p.m. Also, in the case of inclement weather the concert will be held in the library.