Music+of+the+American+Civil+War

by Victor Mahdavi

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Summary
Throughout the Civil War, music had a strong effect on both sides. The Union troops and Confederate troops hired drummers and instrument players of all sorts to either boost morale or order specific marches. On the battlefield, instrument ranged from drums, fifes (flute) to several different brass instruments. Singing was also used to relieve stress and tension. It was used as a way to step away from the non stop bloodshed and to deal with any homesickness or issues of all sort. The Union and the Confederacy did not always use the same chants but some were similar in theme. Sometimes on the night before the battle, both bands from each side would compete against each other.

The North had its favorite tunes and so did the Confederates. The unofficial anthem of the South was //Dixie// which was also Abraham Lincolns favorite tune. Civil War music was the first step to a new modern era of music. Artists such as Elvis Presley were inspired by the music concocted and performed by both sides of this war.

1. Music Development during the Civil War
Music in the American Civil War was developed by the soldiers themselves. People from all background and culture fought in the war with each other. Together, they rapidly traded tunes and methods and started a new era of music. The songs made were considered the first proper "American Folk" music. Most songs represented the emotion of the soldiers in the war, some showed the excitement of winning a battle and others expressed deep homesickness. Because most units were from one specific town, they created their own music to represent their town in battle. = = =2. Music in Camp=

Bordom was definitely a factor in the morale of soldiers in camp. Besides perhaps a deck cards or the joy of company there wasn't much entertainment. This is why music became such a big part of the war. Men brought instruments and enjoyed passing the time listening to beloved tunes. Much of the time, bands would rehearse and prepare for the nearing battle and compete against each other for the fun of it. Besides relieving stress and tension, music also brought people together and songs from home surely removed part of one's homesickness.



=3. Music on the Battlefield=

Music in the Civil War was mostly used to accompany marches and for commands such as retreat or advance. During most battles, it would be common for music to be playing at any given time. During famous fragments in history such as Pickett's Charge, the song being played was //Nearer My God To Thee// by Sarah Flowers Adams. Many songs were used throughout this war, but not many were more exciting than //Marching Through Georgia// by Henry Clay Work:

media type="youtube" key="O-dzCt2xeSo" height="315" width="380" align="right"This song was written for the Union army as a marching song to be sang in battle. It was referring to the William Sherman's march to the sea. It was played so much during the civil war that it became hated just because of it's overuse. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

=4. Instruments of the Civil War=

A variety of instruments were used throughout the Civil War, each adding much character to this genre of music. The three more popular ones being the Fife, the Bugle and the Percussion drum.

**Drum (Percussion)**
The drum is a shell with a skin on top of it that is repeatedly hit with by either hands or a drumstick. In the Civil War, most bands used drumsticks. This instrument has been used in most marching bands through history.

**Bulge (Brass)**
The Bulge is one of the most simple brass instruments existing in the time of the Civil War. The only way someone could change the sound or pitch is by changing the shaping of his mouth and lips. Variations of the bulge have been used through history but the version used in the Civil War was perfected just a bit before.

**Fife (flute)**
The fife is a small, high pitched instrument much alike a flute. Even though it was born in Europe during the Medieval times it is known to be used in military marching bands. They are mostly made of wood and in the military they are reinforced with metal to protect them from damage. It is considered a simple instrument with only six to seven finger holes.


 * [[image:800px-Civil_War_drums_-_IMG_1563.JPG width="199" height="205" caption="Drum (Percussion)"]] || [[image:220px-Bugle-rhside-large-1-.jpg width="299" height="165" caption="Bulge (Brass)"]] || [[image:mejail8-5/800px-Fife_IMG_4818.jpg width="226" height="149" caption="Fife (flute)"]] ||

=5. Notable Songs from the Civil War=

screenshot below from [|Wikipedia] == =6. Effects on Modern Day Music=

The Civil War had a big effect on music today and the especially on the 20th century. The music taken from this war was greater and more numerous than in any war before. Songs from the Civil War would continue to be sung in World War I and II. Songs such as //Dixie// and //Battle Hymn of the Republic// are still cherished and remembered to this day. Great artists like Elvis Presley used Civil War styles to create his own songs like //Love Me Tender.// He also sang classics like //Dixie// and //An American Trilogy.// Civil War Music left a huge legacy that changed folk music greatly.

=Bibliography (Writing)=

1. "The Music of the American Civil War (1861-1865)." The Music of the American Civil War (1861-1865). Web. 28 May 2012. .

2. "Music of the American Civil War." Music of the Civil War. Web. 28 May 2012. .

3. "Music of the American Civil War." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 05 July 2012. Web. 28 May 2012. .

4. Notes = = =Bibliography (Pictures)=

1. "LJWorld.com." Civil War Photographs /. Web. 28 May 2012. .

2. CommandCentre. "Marching through Georgia." YouTube. YouTube, 11 Apr. 2008. Web. 28 May 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-dzCt2xeSo

//All other pictures are from Wikimedia Commons and therefore do not require a MLA Bibliography.//