The 1st Co GFG Band September 08 2010, 2 Comments
The 1st Co GFG BAND
1st Company Governor’s Foot Guards
Contributed by Jack Kopstein
When the General Assembly of the Colony of Connecticut passed the resolution in 1771, which formed the First Company Governor's Foot Guard, no mention was specifically made of a band of musicians, although a petition by commandant Captain Samuel Wyllys in the Company's first year of operation sought reimbursement for monies spent on fifes and drums. Thus, it is clear that music has always been part of the Foot Guard. It was not until 1904 however, that the First Company formed its own permanent band with its members a part of the rank and file of the Foot Guard.
Today, band members are enlisted personnel of the Company, full members of the First Company and of the State Organized Militia, who train and drill side by side with the Foot Guard's infantry unit.
Since 1904, the band has marched parades and performed concerts at many prestigious events, adding the color, ceremony, and precision associated with rich military tradition. In 1907, the newly-formed band performed a concert at a special ceremony held at Gettysburg, and in 1908, Foot Guard Bandmaster Francis Sutherland performed as guest cornet soloist with John Philip Sousa's band when they performed at the Foot Guard's Armory on High Street in Hartford. Through the years, the band has represented the State of Connecticut in several Presidential inaugurations, at the New England Governors' Conference, and in escort duties for foreign dignitaries and European royalty.
Led by Captain David Carlson, today's band performs many concerts, parades, ceremonies, and special events throughout the Northeast. The band also participates frequently in joint concerts with college and public school bands throughout Connecticut.
Recent memorable band performances include the launching and commissioning of the submarine USS Hartford; the 350th Anniversary celebration of York, Pennsylvania; annual appearances at Hartford's Riverfest; the "Convergence" parade at Lincoln Center in New York, the 225th birthday of Connecticut's Old State House and July 4th parades in Philadelphia and Washington DC, and its Centennial Concert at the Bushnell Memorial's Belding Theater.
Of course, every four years the Band participates in the Governor's Inauguration Day ceremonies as the First Company Governor's Foot Guard upholds its chartered duties and commitment to the Governor and the State of Connecticut.
For more information, please visit the band's website at http://www.governorsfootguard.com/
Since 1904, the band has marched parades and performed concerts at many prestigious events, adding the color, ceremony, and precision associated with rich military tradition. In 1907, the newly-formed band performed a concert at a special ceremony held at Gettysburg, and in 1908, Foot Guard Bandmaster Francis Sutherland performed as guest cornet soloist with John Philip Sousa's band when they performed at the Foot Guard's Armory on High Street in Hartford. Through the years, the band has represented the State of Connecticut in several Presidential inaugurations, at the New England Governors' Conference, and in escort duties for foreign dignitaries and European royalty.
Led by Captain David Carlson, today's band performs many concerts, parades, ceremonies, and special events throughout the Northeast. The band also participates frequently in joint concerts with college and public school bands throughout Connecticut.
Recent memorable band performances include the launching and commissioning of the submarine USS Hartford; the 350th Anniversary celebration of York, Pennsylvania; annual appearances at Hartford's Riverfest; the "Convergence" parade at Lincoln Center in New York, the 225th birthday of Connecticut's Old State House and July 4th parades in Philadelphia and Washington DC, and its Centennial Concert at the Bushnell Memorial's Belding Theater.
Of course, every four years the Band participates in the Governor's Inauguration Day ceremonies as the First Company Governor's Foot Guard upholds its chartered duties and commitment to the Governor and the State of Connecticut.
For more information, please visit the band's website at http://www.governorsfootguard.com/
Comments
Vern C. Davis on April 09 2014 at 10:36AM
I had the great honor of playing in this great band in 1958. I was stationed on Governors Island, Fort Jay in the First Army Band and was asked if I and several of our band members could come up to Hartford and fill in some needed instruments. I think this was the 4th of July concert, because one of the numbers they wanted to play was “Overture 1812”. The musicianship in that band was outstanding – in fact, I was told that a few of the members had played in the “Sousa Band”. It was an experience that I have never forgotten! Thank you for this article to bring back memories!
Eric Scism on April 09 2014 at 10:36AM
Vern,
Glad you liked the article! We love hearing stories from our fans that actually got to interact with the Military Bands!