Civil War Music

Question 1

What were some reasons why music could still be made during the Civil War?

Answer 1

Instruments were still around from the colonial period and people wanted music for organization
and entertainment. The country was more established and had factories to produce instruments.

Question 2

What were the three most common types of music made during the Civil War?

Answer 2

Marching music, camp songs, civilian songs

Question 3

True/False: Children as young as 12 years old were allowed to enlist in the military as a
musician during the Civil War.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Explain the specific services that music provided during the Civil War.

Answer 4

Entertainment, organization, boost morale, and documenting personal experiences

Question 5

Please explain the difference between a trumpet and a bugle.

Answer 5

A trumpet has 3 valves and a bugle has none.

Question 6

What were some reasons why a bugle was commonly used during the Civil War?

Answer 6

Lightweight, easy to transport, could be played with one hand, could still be played if slightly
damaged or wet.

Question 7

Which types of drums were the most common and how were they carried?

Answer 7

Bass Drum: Had shoulder straps
Snare Drum: Neck strap, held at an angle.

Question 8

Please explain the duties of marching musician units during the Civil War.

Answer 8

Inspected, addressed, and entertained troops.

Question 9

True/False: Marching musician units would serve different roles as needed such as
ambulance operators, aid wounded soldiers, and even fight on the battlefield.

Answer 9

True

Question 10

Were marching musician units more common for the Union (North) or Confederate
(South) army? Why?

Answer 10

Union (north) since they had more factories to produce brass/percussion instruments.

Question 11

Why did field musicians typically use brass and percussion instruments?

Answer 11

Brass and percussion instruments could get wet or damaged and still be playable and they were
easy to transport.

Question 12

What was the original purpose of the musical piece “taps”?

Answer 12

“Lights out” command

Question 13

Publishing companies created books of lyrics to popular songs to pass out to soldiers
which were called …

Answer 13

Songsters

Question 14

14. How were many informal “camp songs” typically made during the Civil War?

Answer 14

People took songs that already existed and changed the lyrics to fit their story.

Question 15

Was music an important part of the Civil War? Please explain why it was/wasn’t.

Answer 15

Yes - organization and boosting morale
No - battle tactics and ensuring survival were far more important