By Paul Hobe
Early in its existence the City Band was reported by a variety of names. In early years it was often published in The Alliance Review as the “Silver Cornet Band,” or just as the “Alliance Band.” Brothers Columbus and Floy Haines are mentioned as associated with the band as leader. “Alliance City Band” became the moniker in 1885. References regarding the activity of the band vary from very active with lots of parades and concerts listed to years with less activity recorded. 1889 and 1890 show lots of activity. An interesting story in The Review in June 1890 records: “The Executive Committee of the Youngstown Mannerchor (a male singing society) has secured the Alliance City Band for their German celebration of the July 4.” There are thirty members in the band.
Suddenly the band stories disappear. Some activity in 1893 mentions concerts and solos by Rosco Sharer (trombone) and trumpet duet by John Sharer and Charles Houston. That year even produced a “band festival” where folks had a good time and assisted the band financially. Other than leading the Memorial Day Parade in 1895, there is no mention of the “City” band until 1906. So why might that be?
Full articles in The Review now describe the Mannerchor Band. It was formed in October 1899, played concerts in 1899, and became affiliated with the Modern Woodmen (an American fraternal benefit society) in early 1901. An article describes that they “are determined to give the city of Alliance a good band. An agreement has been framed and signed by every member, in which the signer pledges himself to work faithfully to give Alliance a band of which the citizens may feel proud” (italics added). The article describes the Mannerchor Band and its goals, rules, policies, and other information. The organization will “offer all opportunities for beginners to study music as well to give older musicians a chance to improve their musical education.” The band obtains new uniforms and practice two times per week. A picture shows the band with tall boots, white britches and plumbed helmet hats but also displays the Alliance City Band bass drum.
In 1905 Frank P. Atherton is listed as director of the Mannerchor band and then in April 1906, an article tells of a concert and the new Alliance City formerly the Mannerchor Band will present a program. The program is listed with Mr. (Prof.) Atherton as director. So, the band seems to falter during the 1890s with a couple good years in mid-decade and then disappears until 1906.
The Alliance City Band is shown here in concert formation during a rehearsal in their band rehearsal room with Frank P. Atherton at center front. It was taken circa 1906.
Atherton’s tenure in Alliance was just one stop for this iterant music educator. Coming to Alliance he conducted the Craven Opera House orchestra and for two years the Alliance City Band. Atherton researcher Ralph Holibaugh writes that Atherton’s previous experience performing violin and piano, composing for vaudeville troupes, conducting, teaching, and writing educational articles for music magazines, and his service in the Spanish-American War influenced the methods he used as the band’s leader. What emerges is a unique portrait of a talented, determined traveling musician who spent a significant year in Alliance. Band historian Gray Ellis states that under Atherton the band “blossomed into state recognition.”
The appearance of new rules and procedures suggest that band discipline may have faltered. Perhaps the members would not practice or attend rehearsals. Leadership may have been lacking or in some sort of turmoil or turnover. Also, the American Federation of Musicians was formed in 1901. As we can see above in 1890 the band became associated with the Mannerchor choir. Possibly some members observed the Mannerchor and its procedures and thought their example could help the city band and some perceived shortcomings.