The Eighth Regiment Band

The Eighth Regiment Band of the Georgia Volunteer Infantry formed in 1985 in Rome, Ga., and has about 25 musicians. Members include players from the Rome Symphony Orchestra, students and staff from local high schools and colleges, and professional musicians. The director, John Carruth, also directs the Rome Symphony Orchestra.

The band tries to present military music of the Civil War as it was played by musicians of both sides of the conflict. Band members also try to dress and act the part.

Civil War bands started when each regiment of the armies tried to create its own musical organization. Most of America's town bands and other professional groups were mustered into service as were many groups of lesser ability. The soldiers loved to dance and sing and they played or more often listened to the fiddle, flute and banjo, but the brass band was the ``now'' music of their country.