Marching to War and Waltzing to Peace
Life and Legacy of Appalachian Women
Thursday, January 18, 2024, 7 pm
With historian E. K. Knappenberger
Come celebrate the musical heritage of the Valley of Virginia! Join the Mountain Saxhorn Band, established in 1855 as Turner’s Staunton Cornet Band, for a re-creation of the sounds and melodies of the Shenandoah Valley in the mid-19th century.
Since before the Civil War, the Mountain Saxhorn Band has been regaling citizens with the unique sound of Adolph Saxe’s inventive brass instruments. The most accurate representation of period music available to the public, the Band (which was refigured as the Stonewall Brigade Band during the War) will play authentic music on meticulously reproduced period instruments.
This program will feature readings and interpretation from Band Historian, E.K. Knappenberger. Antebellum attire encouraged!
Mountain Saxhorn Band is a special project of the Stonewall Brigade Band, headquartered in Staunton’s Gypsy Hill Park; it is directed by the Rev. Dr. Kevin Haynes, and by EMU junior Jacob Loya. Musicians are: Mark Heisel, Rev. Carl Trost, Tim Turner, Luke Haynes and E.K. Knappenberger.
E.K. Knappenberger is a local historian with a background in military intelligence, now working on religious and educational history. He has a graduate degree from Eastern Mennonite Seminary, and degrees from Eastern Mennonite University and Whatcom Community College. He has recently published several works on various local topics including the founding of JMU and EMU, Joseph Funk and Singer’s Glen, C.H. Brunk’s autobiography, and Maj. Jedidiah Hotchkiss’ 1840s unpublished early art.