In 1864 eighteen men from the Brodhead Brass Band enlisted in the Union Army as the band of the 1st Brigade, 3d Division, 15th Army Corps. The “Tradition of Excellence” that these men established more than 130 years ago lives on today with the members of the 1st Brigade Band of Watertown, Wisconsin.

The band MAKES HISTORY LIVE by presenting period brass band music, performed on antique instruments. Attired in uniforms and gowns, the Band’s musicians, color guard, and costumed ladies take you back to the 1860’s; to that turbulent era known as the Civil War.

More than eighty volunteers, men and women, make up the 1st Brigade Band. Widely varied in age and occupation, they come from many communities, bringing with them a common interest in their musical heritage. During a typical year, they will meet their audience more than forty times, in concerts, parades, military balls, and worship services, presenting their educational and entertaining programs. Starting in 1964, band members began to locate and restore the dented and broken instruments that were once used on the battlefield and are now used in performances today.

The 1st Brigade Band is an affiliate of the Wisconsin Historical Society and is supported and sponsored by Heritage Military Music Foundation, Inc.; a non-profit, educational, historical, and patriotic organization.

The 1st Brigade Band will perform on the Bridge Square Stage at VBF 2026 on Saturday, August 1 at 3:00pm. Find their other performances that weekend at vintagebandfestival.org.