The 46^th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment Band, the Logan Guard, is a Central Pennsylvania-based Civil War reenactment unit, honoring the Logan Guards Militia from Lewistown and the Birdsboro Community Band, both maintaining morale for the Union soldiers throughout the American Civil War. According to the unit’s website, “regimental bands were used primarily for dress parades and marching, but also provided music for all ceremonies and concerts in the camps and garrisons. The regimental bands actually marched troops into battle, exposed to shot and shell as they played.”

Dedicated to both history and music, each of the members of the reenactment unit is both a musician and a historian, bringing to life the typical soldier/musician of the Civil War at events all over the Eastern United States. The 46th performs largely with period instruments from the mid- to late-19th Century.

While period musical instruments are just another detail that makes the Logan Guard such a special group, obtaining, maintaining, and playing these period instruments can be challenging. “Difficulties in getting the instruments are largely due to availability and price,” Sergeant Major and Principal Musician Bob Myers said. “We're competing with people who want antiques rather than something to play.”

Since the 46^th wants to play these old instruments, their concern is primarily function, often cobbling together complete instruments from partial instruments. “Some horns we've had to almost build from scratch,” Myers said. “We have people who can silver solder, turn things with lathes, and we use a lot of penetrating oil,” he added.

At an average age of 140-145 years old, instruments are not the only challenge for this reenactment outfit, however. The Logan Guard has wooden, period-correct, music stands that are equipped with candle holders. Candles have claimed sheet music and some jacket sleeves over the years. Also, when asked about wool uniforms in an August parade, Myers replied, “not if you can help it!”

The music played by the 46^th includes military marches, transcriptions of orchestral overtures and opera literature, and folk songs. While some music is available to the outfit in appropriate keys, much of the music must be transposed and arranged for the instruments they use.

Recently having the pleasure of doing some restoration work on a 19^th century piccolo for the Logan Guard, Bandman would like to say “huzzah!” and wish them the best in their efforts and upcoming events. For more information about the 46^th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment Band, including events, photos, music, and more, we encourage you to visit their website.